Ohio officer fired after K-9 attacks handcuffed suspect

CANTON, Ohio (WJW) – A Canton K-9 officer who had been on leave following his participation in an arrest has been terminated.

Officer Nicholas Casto’s termination is effective immediately.

Canton’s Director of Public Safety made the call, supporting the recommendation of the police chief.

The incident stems from an arrest on May 30 .

Police body camera video shows Casto’s K-9 partner attack a suspect who is on the ground in handcuffs.

While the dog is attacking the suspect, an officer yells, “Stop resisting arrest.”

The K-9 is on the man for at least 10 seconds.

Police said prior to putting the man in handcuffs, he made verbal threats to the dog.

Casto yelled, “He’s under arrest for taunting the dog.”

The man was taken to the hospital for treatment, but Canton police would not elaborate on his injuries.

Rules and policies for K-9 deployment, use of force and code of conduct were included in the city’s recommendation for termination.

Casto had been with the department since 2014.

Canton Mayor William Sherer II released a strong statement about Casto’s termination:

The residents of Canton deserve to feel safe and protected by those appointed and sworn by an oath to do so. The behavior exhibited by Officer Nicholas Casto is not a reflection of the men and women of the Canton Police Department that wake up every morning with the mission to serve and protect. I fully support Safety Director Perry’s decision to terminate Officer Casto’s employment with the Canton Police Department. Canton deserves better than what we all saw, and we will do better. This is our opportunity to take corrective action on incidents that compromise the integrity of our values as a community. As the Mayor of Canton, nothing means more to me than the trust of this community, and our safety forces. It is my goal that this termination shows our community that we care about the quality of the individuals we send out to serve our residents, and in turn, we show our police officers that only the best deserve to keep Canton safe. I fully support the leadership of our Police Chief John Gabbard and truly believe he is the right person to lead Canton’s finest. Together, we will move Canton forward.

Canton Mayor William V. Sherer II

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