Council approves settlement in claim alleging excessive force by police canine unit

Charleston City Council on Tuesday approved a settlement of a disputed claim filed by Stephen Lee alleging excessive force during an arrest involving a Charleston Police Department K-9 unit.

The settlement was brought forward on the recommendation of the city solicitor and reported by the finance committee. Councilmember Jenkins summarized the background and urged adoption of the settlement.

Jenkins said the claim preceded a lawsuit and described the allegation: “This is a settlement that, is actually before there was a lawsuit. This was a claim brought by a gentleman who was injured. I believe Stephen Lee is his name when a canine was deployed without sufficient warning pre, filing mediation.” He said the committee recommended approval “because of the case law, with regards to the deployment of a k 9 and use and the use of that force.”

The council voted to adopt Resolution 25-087. No roll-call vote or settlement amount was read into the public discussion in the transcript.