A jury Friday found a Salt Lake City police dog handler not guilty of aggravated assault for ordering his K-9 to bite a man who had his hands up and one knee on the ground .
Nickolas Pearce faced up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
“I appreciate the service of the jurors in this case,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown in a statement. “I trust their verdict came after careful consideration of the evidence. As law enforcement officers, we acknowledge and embrace the scrutiny associated with our profession. Today’s verdict does not change our commitment to uphold our oath as public servants with valor and empathy.”
The officer has remained employed with Salt Lake City as the police department was waiting for the criminal trial to finish before determining whether to discipline or terminate Pearce.
“The apprehension component of the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Patrol K-9 Squad remains suspended.,” said department spokesperson Brent Weisberg. “Meanwhile, our Department is currently using, and has seen, the benefits of having a robust tracking/trailing and narcotics detection K-9 program.”