Investigation Underway After Los Angeles Police Department Injured 16-Year-Old Alfredo Alvarado When They Let Police Dog Bite Him
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (November 25, 2025) – A 16-year-old male pedestrian identified as Alfredo Alvarado was injured in a Los Angeles Police Department dog attack near Belle Porte Avenue and Anaheim Street.
Los Angeles Police Department officials are saying that the incident took place around 11:45 PM on November 18. Police officers said they observed Alfredo Alvarado with an “L-shaped” object in his waistband.
They attempted to make contact with the subject, which then initiated a foot pursuit. LAPD officers followed him with their canine units.
The young man allegedly failed to comply with their demands. When they located him near a detached garage, they allowed their K9 unit to bite his leg.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the incident to help the victim. Alfredo Alvarado was taken to the hospital to receive treatment for his wounds.
Liability for Los Angeles Police Dog Attacks
Police officers have a legal obligation to use the least amount of force necessary when contacting suspects. Officers must follow a use of force continuum and only use potentially lethal force as a measure of last resort. According to CA Penal Code § 835a, the authority to use physical force must be exercised judiciously and with respect for the sanctity of life of all persons. There are many ways that a police department may have used excessive force.
- Hitting: A police officer may hit or shoot a suspect who does not pose a risk of harm to themselves or the public.
- Restrained: A police officer may hit or shoot a suspect who has already been restrained or is complying with their demands.
- Dog Attacks: A police officer may have allowed their dog to bite a suspect when other options were available.
- Illegal Holds: A police officer may place a suspect in an illegal chokehold or prone position that restricts their breathing.
A police officer and the department that they work for could face liability if they use excessive force and harm a suspect. According to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of law, deprives someone of their rights afforded under the Constitution, shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. Any person injured by the excessive force of officers may be able to seek some measure of justice and accountability through a constitutional claim.
Steps to Take After Being Attacked by Los Angeles Police Department Dogs
Many people are seriously injured in attacks with police dogs each year. According to The Marshall Project, “A statistical study found that police dog bites sent roughly 3,600 people to emergency rooms each year from 2005 to 2013; almost all were male and Black men were overrepresented.” Certain actions should be taken after any incident where a person is attacked by a police dog.
- Victims should seek a thorough evaluation as early as possible and keep all of the records related to their medical treatment.
- All of the body cam footage related to the attack should be collected and preserved.
- Any person attacked by a police dog should seek out the legal guidance of an experienced civil rights attorney.
The continued use of police dogs in law enforcement is deeply concerning. Unlike officers, police dogs don’t have a complex understanding of language. There are many situations where these animals continue to bite or attack suspects even after they’ve been instructed to stop. It is important for victims to understand that they do have legal options. They are able to seek some measure of justice and accountability through a civil rights claim.
Investigating Los Angeles County Police Dog Attacks
We at Carrazco Law extend our best wishes to Alfredo Alvarado and his family as he continues to recover. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. This was a preventable incident that should not have taken place. Many questions remain unanswered at this time.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured due to the excessive force of Los Angeles Police Department officers? You may have legal recourse. Our team of experienced civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights and holding law enforcement agencies accountable for their excessive force. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
