In a chilling case that raises serious concerns about police conduct, a lawsuit has been filed alleging excessive force and constitutional violations involving the use of police dogs in Canton, Ohio. The complaint was filed by Austin Elson on January 28, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio against the City of Canton and several members of its police department, including Chief John D. Gabbard.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on April 30, 2023, when Elson was allegedly subjected to excessive force during his arrest. According to the complaint, Officer Bryan Jeffries deployed a police canine without justification while Elson was subdued and compliant. The lawsuit accuses Jeffries and other officers present of violating Elson’s Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights by using unnecessary force and failing to intervene during the attack. “Defendant K9 Handler Jeffries deploys his canine on Plaintiff Elson… Defendant K9 Handler Jeffries continues allowing his canine to rip into the flesh,” reads one part of the complaint.
Elson’s attorneys argue that not only did Officer Jeffries act improperly, but supervisory officers also failed in their duty to prevent or address this misconduct. The suit alleges that these officers knew or should have known about their subordinates’ unconstitutional actions but chose to ignore them. The complaint further accuses the City of Canton of maintaining policies that tolerate such excessive force and fail to provide adequate training or oversight regarding the use of police canines.
Seeking justice for what he describes as a traumatic experience, Elson is asking for compensatory damages exceeding $6 million. He also seeks punitive damages against those involved for their willful and reckless conduct. Additionally, he requests equitable relief mandating policy changes within the Canton Police Department to prevent future occurrences of similar misconduct.
Representing Austin Elson are attorneys Kenneth P. Abbarno, Robert F. DiCello, Justin J. Hawal, Peter C. Soldato, Joseph T. Frate, and Jordyn A. Parks from DiCello Levitt LLP based in Mentor, Ohio. The case is presided over by an unnamed judge under Case ID 5:26-cv-00224.
Source: 526cv00224_Elson_v_City_of_Canton_Northern_District_Ohio.pdf
