PITTSBURGH — A federal lawsuit filed Monday by a Franklin County man against the City of Butler, the city's police department, two police officers and the former deputy police chief claims officers used excessive force and allowed the departments K-9 dog to bite him multiple times — including on the neck — after he attempted to flee during a traffic stop two years ago.

Joshua Rivera filed the civil action in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, naming Officer Brian Grooms and another unidentified officer as defendants, along with former deputy police chief David Adam, the police department and the city.

In his complaint, Rivera claims he was “viciously attacked” by the department's trained police dog, even after he had been tasered by officers. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages because Rivera suffered permanent nerve damage and scarring due to his run-in with officers that led to his being transported by helicopter to the hospital due to the extent of his injuries.

“After Plaintiff's stint in the ER, he returned to jail where his wounds were 'unpacked,' cleaned, and 'packed' on a daily basis for four (4) solid months,” the complaint said of Rivera's injuries. “To this day, Plaintiff has no feeling in his forearm from his elbow to wrist.”

To learn more about Rivera's lawsuit, check out Tuesday's Butler Eagle or subscribe online.