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Athens Today
By the People, for the People
Lawsuit Alleges Logan Police Used Taser to Provoke Dog Attack on Motionless Man
Lawsuit claims officers tased a man lying still to get a police dog to maul him, causing severe injuries.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:36pm
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A police taser's harsh flash illuminates the grim aftermath of an alleged incident of excessive force.Athens TodayA federal lawsuit filed by Zachary Vaughan accuses Logan, Ohio police officers of tasing him while he was lying motionless on the ground in order to provoke a police dog to attack him, resulting in severe injuries. The lawsuit alleges a pattern of excessive taser use by the Logan Police Department, particularly by Officer Devin Alford, and a culture that tolerates excessive force.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns about the use of force by police, particularly the deployment of tasers and police dogs, and the need for accountability and oversight to prevent such incidents. It also raises questions about the training and policies of the Logan Police Department regarding the appropriate use of force.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that on April 7, 2024, Officers Alford and Arnett responded to a report of shoplifting at a gas station. Vaughan, who the officers knew or should have known had mental health disabilities, was in the parking lot and matched the description of the suspect. The officers pinned Vaughan against a wall, and despite Vaughan not resisting, both officers tased him. Vaughan fell to the ground, and the officers continued to tase him. Alford then went to get a police dog, and when the dog refused to attack the motionless Vaughan, Alford ordered Arnett to tase Vaughan again to make him 'move' so the dog would attack. The dog then mauled Vaughan, causing severe injuries.
- On April 7, 2024, the incident occurred in the parking lot of a Speedway gas station in Logan, Ohio.
- The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Monday, April 7, 2026.
The players
Zachary Vaughan
The plaintiff in the federal lawsuit, who was allegedly tased and attacked by a police dog while lying motionless on the ground.
Officer Devin Alford
A Logan police officer who the lawsuit alleges repeatedly used a taser on individuals in violation of department policy and who ordered the police dog to attack Vaughan.
Officer Kyle Arnett
A Logan police officer who the lawsuit alleges tased Vaughan while he was motionless on the ground.
Jerry Mellinger
The Logan Police Chief, who the lawsuit alleges failed to properly investigate or discipline officers for excessive use of force.
City of Logan
The defendant municipality named in the federal lawsuit.
What’s next
The lawsuit seeks compensation for Vaughan's physical and psychological injuries, as well as punitive damages against Officers Alford and Arnett. The Logan Police Department has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The takeaway
This case highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability around police use of force, particularly the deployment of tasers and police dogs, to prevent incidents of excessive and potentially life-threatening violence against individuals, even those who are not actively resisting.
