Cab Driver Deals With Aftermath of K-9 Encounter

A South Jersey cab driver is dealing with injuries that he says were caused by a police dog.

One afternoon last month, James Black, 39, watched as his wife Michelle was driving away from their apartment complex with their two children.

A Police officer then pulled her over. James, who was also leaving the apartment, stopped to find out what was happening.

Lindenwold Police claim that the officer repeatedly told James to keep moving and that when he didn’t, the officer tried to arrest him and James resisted. Lindenwold Police then say the officer called on his K-9 German Shepherd to subdue him.

“My kids saw me go through this and I see how they’re affected by it,” said Black. “I don’t know how long those memories are going to last.”

Black says that the bulge in his head is his swollen brain and that doctors had to temporarily remove part of his skull. Black also says that he suffered a stroke and was hospitalized after the incident.

Michelle claims that her husband’s ordeal has been emotionally and financially draining for the entire family.

“I try to not cry and break down because I don’t want to discourage him,” said Michelle.

“Who among us as they’re leaving their private complex, in a private parking lot wouldn’t stop to check on their wife and two babies and see if they’re okay,” said Terrence Jones, a former Philadelphia police officer and advocate for James’ family.

The Lindenwold Police, who have declined to comment publicly citing an internal investigation, have charged James with resisting arrest, obstruction and assault on the police dog.

Yet despite all of that, James’ main concern at the moment is to recover both physically and mentally.

“I still have a long way to go,” said James. “I’ll just be glad when I get to that point.”
 

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