Woman files claim after alleged dog attack

Huntington Beach resident Laura Abrahams filed a claim against the city after being allegedly bitten by a police dog in late May.

Abrahams was riding in a vehicle with the dog in Parker, Ariz., while on vacation, when it “unexpectedly attacked,” biting her in her left arm and causing two lacerations and a puncture wound, the claim noted. The dog belonged to Dave Roberts, Abrahams’ brother and the Huntington Beach police officer who handled the dog. Roberts witnessed the incident, according to the claim. The bite required 20 to 30 stitches, according to the July 1 claim. No one else was injured. Abrahams said the claim was filed only because her health insurance provider demanded it. The company wrote a letter asking who was responsible for her injuries.

“I have absolutely no intention of filing a benefit claim with the police department,” she said. “This was done because of a health insurance technicality.”

— Kathryn Watson