After failing to comply with officers’ directions to emerge, the man attempted to run and the dog handler released the police dog.
While the dog was biting the man, he grabbed the animal around the neck and began choking it.
When a second officer arrived and tried to remove the man’s grip from the dog’s neck, he punched the man in the face and torso to force him to release his grip.
The man suffered a significant bite injury. After being given first aid by officers at the scene, he was transported to hospital, where he underwent surgery.
The authority’s investigation found the dog bite and use of force were justified.
The IPCA also found police met their duty of care obligations after the arrest, with officers providing first aid before the man was taken to hospital.
Northland District Commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj acknowledged the authority’s findings and said staff had been dealing with “a dynamic event” after the driver rammed two police vehicles in an attempt to evade arrest.
Srhoj said the driver’s actions showed “a complete disregard for anyone’s safety”.
“I acknowledge our staff’s risk assessment in approaching this incident and working to apprehend the man.
“Our police dogs are valued members of the police whānau, and our staff have worked to prevent any injury to the police dog while trying to take the man into custody.”
The man was convicted of a raft of serious driving and violence offences.
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.