Englewood police use Taser on unarmed man while taking away his dog

Englewood police officers are under scrutiny after a video surfaced showing them using a Taser on an unarmed man as they forcibly took his dog. The man, who is unhoused, appeared confused and distressed, repeatedly asking officers why his dog was being taken away. The incident, which occurred on July 25, is now the subject of an internal investigation.

The video, recorded by a bystander, captures David Bayne sitting on a bench outside the Englewood Civic Center, his dog by his side. He is surrounded by officers from Code Enforcement, Animal Welfare, and the Englewood Police Department. According to the police, they were called to assist in seizing Bayne's dog due to a severe infection that Bayne was accused of not treating.

The video does not show officers explaining the reason for the dog’s removal to Bayne, nor do they seem fully aware themselves.

“I know you've had this dog for a long time. I honestly don't know why they're taking the dog,” one officer can be heard telling Bayne in the video.

Bayne, visibly distressed, repeatedly questioned the officers, stating that he did not want to relinquish his dog. According to a statement from Englewood Police, officers had warned Bayne days earlier about the dog’s need for urgent medical care

The situation escalated when an officer informed Bayne that if he did not hand over the dog, he would be charged with resisting arrest.

“You guys are trying to intimidate me and forcefully take my dog,” Bayne yelled at the officers.

Englewood Police claimed that officers used crisis intervention techniques and attempted to de-escalate the situation for seven minutes. However, the video only shows the four minutes leading up to the officer using a Taser on Bayne. During this time, the interaction between Bayne and the officer becomes increasingly tense, with the officer eventually raising his voice.

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