Valparaiso Lawsuit Says Cop, Dog Abusive

City considering all its options, attorney says

BY JAMES D. WOLF JR., POST-TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT

VALPARAISO — City officials won’t comment on a lawsuit against a K-9 police officer, the chief of police and the city until Valparaiso’s insurance carrier decides on a plan of action with its lawyers.

The city received “service of process” earlier this week, City Attorney David Hollenbeck said, referring to legal notice of the lawsuit. It was forwarded to the insurance firm.

The suit, filed by Certified Inspection Services owner Robert L. Robbins, accuses Valparaiso police officer of abusing his authority as a police officer.

When Robbins came to Kobitz’s rural home on a debt collection issue on April 14, Kobitz allegedly identified himself as a Valparaiso police officer and told Robbins that he was trespassing and faced arrest.

After Robbins returned to his vehicle, he turned to ask if he could take photographs of the property, which his job required him to do.

The lawsuit claims Kobitz then turned his dog on Robbins while Kobitz sent his wife for a police radio and handcuffs.

The suit claims Kobitz’s behavior led to unlawful arrest and false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Chief Michael Brickner and the city are named for allegedly not properly training Kobitz.

A police department spokesman declined to talk about the matter.

Hollenbeck said the city had received a complaint from Robbins, but because Hollenbeck was away from his office Friday, he didn’t know whether that complaint was a May e-mail to Brickner, as referred to in Robbins’ suit.

Hollenbeck was also unsure whether the police department disciplined Kobitz in any way.