Mpls. Cop Who Lost Finger In Bite Attack ID'd; Suspect Charged

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minneapolis Police have released more information in Tuesday night's bite attack, including the identity of the officer who lost a finger in the incident.

According to police, officer Chad Meyer and officer Laura Turner were dispatched at 5:45 p.m. to an address on the 2400 block of 10th Avenue South in response to a 911 call that indicated that a man was experiencing a mental health emergency. Two backup officers that specialized in mental health issues were also dispatched.

When Meyer and Turner arrived, they were immediately attacked by the 54-year-old male suspect, identified as James Curtis Dawkins. Dawkins then tried disarming Meyer. During the fight, Dawkins bit down onto Meyer's gloved index finger. Meyer's screamed in pain, but Dawkins continued to bite down until Meyer's finger was bitten off at the first knuckle, according to police.

Backup officers arrived within two minutes, a Taser was used and several officers were able to subdue Dawkins.

Both Dawkins and the officer were then taken to the Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment.

After Dawkins was treated, officers arrested him and booked him into the Hennepin County Jail.

On Wednesday, Dawkins was charged with first-degree assault. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and/or a $30,000 fine.

Dawkins will make his first appearance Thursday afternoon at the Public Safety Building.

Meyer has more than 10 years of law enforcement experience and joined the Minneapolis Police Department in January of 2008.