Cop called German Sheperd to eat detainee's face, suit says

A man claims an East St. Louis police officer brutally assaulted him, then caused his trained attack dog to chew on the man's face for no reason.

Darius Best filed a lawsuit Oct. 15 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the city of East St. Louis and Lester Anderson.

Best says an East St. Louis police vehicle being driven by Anderson began to follow the automobile in which Best was riding as a passenger on May 22. When Best exited the vehicle at Lincoln and 36th Street in East St. Louis, Anderson immediately ordered Best to the ground, according to the complaint.

Once Best was on the ground, Anderson beat him several times with a night stick and other blunt objects, the suit states.

Meanwhile, Best attempted to play dead in hopes the attack would end. Still, Anderson called a trained German Shepherd to eat Best's face, the complaint says.

After the attack, Anderson did not issue a ticket and did not charge Best with any wrongdoing, he claims.

Because of the attack, Best suffered a broken arm, lacerations and disfigurement to his face, according to the complaint.

In the four-count suit, Best is seeking a judgment of more than $200,000, plus punitive damages, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Brian Stokes of The Stokes Law Office in St. Louis will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-550.