LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Two people injured by a Lubbock Police K-9 may sue the Lubbock Police Department and the City of Lubbock after an attack in 2025.
Iang Huang, also known as Roy, and Huanhuan Wang, also known as Joy, filed a Petition to Investigate Claims Before Suit with the 72nd District Court last week.
The filing is asking the Court for permission to submit written questions, conduct oral examinations to obtain testimony, and request documents to investigate “potential claims as allowed under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 202”, according to the document.
Huang and Wang claim they were injured after an LPD K-9 escaped his handler’s yard and attacked them while they were walking with their young children on April 12.
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Lubbock Police confirmed the dog’s involvement in the attack that same day, saying an off-duty officer reported the K-9 was missing from his yard.
The statement released by police goes on to read “it was later confirmed that this same K-9 was involved in the incident”.
Police confirmed one serious injury and one moderate injury on the day of the attack. Both Huang and Wang claim they went to UMC for emergency treatment.
Their filing claims the injuries suffered that day have affected their ability to work and to parent their children. They also say witnessing the attack caused symptoms related to trauma exposure in their children.
The petition identified the K-9’s handler as James Simcik. While his identity was never revealed by police after the attack, LPD did confirm that he received an unpaid suspension from duty and was reassigned within the department.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: LPD officer suspended, reassigned after civilians attacked by K-9
The filing lists Simcik, Chief Seth Herman, the City of Lubbock, and “any additional individuals or entities identified through the investigation” as well as “any government entities or employees whose actions or omissions may be implicated” as potential adverse parties, should Huang and Wang file a lawsuit.
The subject matter of the anticipated suit is outlined in the petition as the following: negligence, gross negligence, and strict liability, failure to supervise and/or train, maintaining deliberately indifferent policies, practices or customs, and any other causes of action revealed through investigation.
Huang and Wang’s legal team is specifically documents describing the required standards for K-9 housing and handler residences. That includes policies and guidelines governing residential K-9 containment, fencing and kennel standards, gate and locking mechanisms, and inspection requirements.
They are also seeking documents reflecting any prior escape by the same K-9 and documents reflecting any prior bite, attack, or aggressive incident with the dog.
A witness to the attack on Huang and Wang intervened and shot and killed the K-9.
We reached out to the Lubbock Police Department for comment and were referred to City Legal. The city told us it cannot comment on pending litigation.
Judge John Grace presides over the 72nd District Court, although it is not yet clear whether he will be the judge overseeing the petition.
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