In October 2023, a lawsuit was filed against the Henderson Police Department following a standoff at a home in Henderson, Nevada. The complaint, submitted by attorney Craig Mueller on behalf of Kevin Purnell, describes the police response as excessive and negligent, resulting in Purnell being attacked by a police dog and losing a finger.
The incident began when police were called to the scene for a welfare check following a domestic dispute between two women at Purnell’s residence. Although Purnell was allegedly not involved in the altercation, he was targeted by police, leading to a five-and-a-half-hour standoff. During this time, the police assembled a large force, including SWAT teams, a crisis negotiation team, and a K-9 unit, despite Purnell being unarmed and non-violent.
The lawsuit claims that when Purnell surrendered, waving a white cloth as instructed by his attorney, police released the K-9 unit, which severely injured him. The dog, referred to in the complaint as “Jaws,” bit off Purnell’s right index finger and fractured his left femur. After the attack, Purnell was taken into custody and reportedly injected with ketamine.
The complaint further alleges that the police department failed to discipline or investigate the officers involved, reflecting a broader pattern of excessive force and disregard for individual rights. Additionally, the lawsuit notes missing body camera footage and accuses the department of not enforcing its body camera policy. The charges initially filed against Purnell, including domestic violence and battery, were later dismissed by the prosecution.
The city of Henderson has not yet commented on the lawsuit, and no official response from the police department has been filed.
