Video Shows Suspect Bitten by K-9 During Palm Beach County Arrest

Bystander footage raises questions about use of force by deputies

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A bystander video of a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office arrest in Royal Palm Beach has gone viral, showing deputies punching a suspect and deploying a K-9 that remains latched onto his arm as they struggle to handcuff him. The incident has raised concerns from community activists about the level of force used by the deputies.

Why it matters

The video has sparked a debate about police use of force, with some arguing the deputies' actions appear excessive, even though the suspect allegedly had a history of violent crimes. It highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community members over how much force is appropriate during arrests.

The details

The video shows deputies attempting to arrest Michael Davis, who had allegedly battered the mother of his child and held her captive in her Belle Glade home. When deputies caught up with Davis in Royal Palm Beach, the video appears to show one deputy punching him in the head and taking him to the ground. Moments later, a K-9 officer releases a dog that latches onto Davis's arm as deputies struggle to handcuff him. The dog remains on Davis even after he appears subdued on the ground.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in Royal Palm Beach, Florida.

The players

Michael Davis

The suspect who was arrested and bitten by the K-9 officer. He has a criminal history that includes arrests for aggravated battery with a weapon and resisting law enforcement.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest, whose use of force is now being questioned by community activists.

Bryce Graham

A community activist who has raised concerns about the level of force used by deputies in the arrest, questioning why the K-9 remained on the suspect for so long.

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What they’re saying

“And what we see in that video, from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, is a use of excessive force. And so our community has questions about what happened in that incident.”

— Bryce Graham, Community Activist (WPBF)

“And why was that K-9 dog on that suspect, in that case, that long or that length of time?”

— Bryce Graham, Community Activist (WPBF)

What’s next

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw has said they are reviewing use-of-force reports and will have answers soon about the deputies' actions during the arrest.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate around police use of force, with community members questioning whether the deputies' actions were appropriate even for a suspect with a history of violent crimes. It underscores the need for continued dialogue and transparency between law enforcement and the communities they serve.