A Park City Police Department K-9 was transported to an emergency veterinary hospital in Salt Lake City on Tuesday morning after he jumped off the freeway overpass during an investigation into a suspicious package on Interstate 80.

The K-9, named Bruno, sustained “serious injuries,” according to a statement from the department.

“Bruno is more than a police K-9 — he is a partner, a member of our department and an important part of the Park City Police family,” the Police Department statement said. “Our thoughts are with Bruno and his handler as he receives the care he needs.”

The Police Department thanked medical personnel on scene, Life Flight, the Utah Highway Patrol, “and everyone who stepped in to help” assist Bruno after the accident.

“We know our community cares deeply about Bruno, and we will share additional information about his condition when we are able,” the statement said.

The Utah Highway Patrol closed portions of I-80 and U.S. 40 because of a “suspicious item,” which led to a lengthy morning commute for those traveling in the Snyderville Basin.

As of 10:45 a.m., Sgt. Skyler Talbot with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office said the suspicious item, which appeared to be a battery for an e-bike, was cleared and “is no longer a concern.” The roads have since reopened.

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Temple Har Shalom’s sign on S.R. 224 was vandalized over the weekend in what synagogue leaders are calling an antisemitic attack days before the Jewish community’s most important holidays.

Rabbi Jeff Dreifus said a synagogue administrator noticed the property damage on Monday and speculated the incident happened late Saturday night or Sunday. He said the sign’s letters had been ripped off and the Star of David was destroyed.

“It’s very disheartening because Jews have been part of Park City’s history and Park City’s community for so long and are so active in making this community better,” Dreifus said. “We call our synagogue our Jewish home in the mountains. For your home to be defaced by someone who clearly wants us not to feel comfortable and not feel safe in this community, it’s really sad.”

Temple Har Shalom President June K. Volk said the incident was additionally upsetting because it happened before Rosh Hashanah, one of the Jewish faith’s most important holidays. But the start of the High Holy Days, which begins with Rosh Hashanah on Friday night and will culminate with Yom Kippur toward the end of September, is also providing comfort in the wake of the vandalism.

“During these days, we do a lot of introspection, reflection, and we think about ways to make our world stronger and better,” Volk said. “We call that concept ‘tikkun olam,’ and that means ‘repairing the world.’ We look not only inward, but outward to do better for the coming year.”

Dreifus said the vandalism is “unfortunately not unexpected or surprising” considering the current political environment in the United States and the rise of anti-semitic conflicts over the past few years. His parents’ synagogue in Michigan, his cousin’s synagogue in Mississippi and his hometown synagogue in Tennessee have all been threatened with violence, which Dreifus said showcases the pervasive intimidation the Jewish faith is experiencing.

“This act was done by a person who doesn’t want us to feel safe in this community, but the Jewish faith and Jewish people are a people of joy and of finding meaning in life and of making the world a better place,” Dreifus said. “We’re not going to let this person’s act intimidate us or detract from our joy, especially in this season of the Jewish High Holy Days.”

Summit County Sheriff’s Office deputies are present for every synagogue event, and the building itself has cameras and security measures in place, Dreifus said. He emphasized Temple Har Shalom’s commitment to keeping the synagogue and its visitors safe, adding that more cameras will be installed to monitor the sign when it’s replaced.

“We have received so much support, and I think it’s important to keep that perspective,” Dreifus said. “Maybe there are a small few who want us to feel intimidated, but the vast majority of the people in Park City and the people in America and the people around the world are good neighbors and good friends and have love in their hearts. … We have a vibrant Jewish community, and we should be proud of that.”

Sgt. Skyler Talbot with the Sheriff’s Office said the department is investigating the vandalism, but it’s too early in the process to determine if there will be hate crime enhancements to any potential charges.

“Summit County is better than this,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Friday morning. “Intentionally damaging another person’s property is unacceptable, and targeting an individual or group because of their religion makes the conduct even more concerning. Every member of our community should feel safe and respected. The Sheriff’s Office will not tolerate acts of intimidation, harassment or discrimination directed at members of our community.”

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A Park City dentist has been charged with two felonies and multiple misdemeanors after he allegedly engaged in “unlawful sexual conduct” with a teenager and provided her with illegal drugs.

The 16-year-old girl reported Benjamin James Wilson, a dentist with Mountain High Family Dental, to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. She told investigators that Wilson had given her alcohol, “molly, weed and shrooms” when she was visiting Park City in June.

The teenager also disclosed that Wilson had given her nitrous oxide at his dental office and asked her to “measure his” genitals in exchange for more drugs, which she did.

The Summit County Attorney’s Office filed charges against Wilson on Thursday. He is facing two second-degree felonies for the distribution of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor for unlawful sexual conduct with a teenager, a Class A misdemeanor for giving alcohol to a minor and a Class B misdemeanor for “contributing to the delinquency of a minor.”

Third District Judge Richard Mrazik signed a warrant for Wilson’s arrest, and he was scheduled to attend court in an initial appearance on Friday.

Second-degree felonies carry a potential prison sentence of one to 15 years and up to a $10,000 fine.

Mountain High Family Dental had not responded to a request for comment, including details on Wilson’s employment status with the business, by the time of publication.

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The Summit County Sheriff’s Office is searching for three people who were allegedly involved in an assault in the Snyderville Basin last week.

The department received a report of three men attacking a man and a woman in the Canyons Village area on Friday. The man had significant injuries to his face, and the woman’s face also appeared red and sore after the attack.

The victims said the attackers were strangers and identified the group as two white men and one Polynesian man. They did not know their attackers’ names or license plate information.

The altercation reportedly started when the three strangers began making derogatory remarks toward the man and woman as they were walking back to their car after a concert. It then turned physical.

The Sheriff’s Office said no suspects have been arrested, and deputies have not located the cars despite receiving multiple vehicle descriptions throughout the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple other calls between Monday, Aug. 24, and Sunday, Aug. 30, including suspected DUIs, mail theft and medical emergencies.

Sunday, Aug. 30

Deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident in the Snyderville Basin. The driver showed signs of impairment and was cited for suspected DUI before he was released to medical staff.

Saturday, Aug. 29

Deputies stopped a car traveling in the Snyderville Basin after observing traffic violations, but they suspected impairment once they spoke to the driver. The driver performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was arrested for a suspected DUI. Deputies also found an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle.

Friday, Aug. 28

Deputies were dispatched to assist with CPR on an individual who had been hiking the Wasatch Crest trail in Millcreek. They stayed on scene until Salt Lake County deputies could respond.

A caller reported suspicious vehicles in Silver Summit. Deputies contacted one of the drivers and learned she was a package delivery driver, but they found an empty shipping box that she had seemingly thrown out of her car. Deputies contacted the individual on the shipping label, who said the package had not been delivered. The driver of the second car opened the vehicle’s trunk where undelivered packages were located. Deputies saw the contents of the discarded box inside and arrested the first driver for mail theft.

Thursday, Aug. 27

Deputies identified a suspicious vehicle parked at a Kimball Junction gas station. They contacted the driver and discovered she was on probation. During a search of the car, deputies found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The driver was arrested and booked into the Summit County Jail.

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An attorney representing Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter and former Summit County Sheriff David Edmunds said Thursday that they are cooperating with a criminal obstruction investigation centered on alleged attempts to cast doubt on a political opponent who ran against incumbent Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby.

Investigators with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office in February submitted a warrant to Verizon to search three phones belonging to Rigby, Carpenter and Edmunds. Law enforcement officials in the warrant said they believe the phones were used to obstruct justice in a criminal investigation.

The warrant focuses on an anonymous letter containing allegations of misconduct against Eric Mainord, a Summit County detective who announced his candidacy for Wasatch County sheriff on Jan. 7 before dropping out of the race on May 27. As a detective, Mainord was a key investigator and potential witness in Kouri Darden Richins’ aggravated murder case.

Greg Skordas, an attorney representing Carpenter and Edmunds, emphasized that warrants are submitted early in an investigation and do not necessarily indicate evidence of any wrongdoing.

“They did not participate in any effort to fabricate or anonymously circulate allegations against Eric Mainord, pressure Mainord to withdraw from the sheriff’s race, or interfere with the prosecution of Kouri Richins,” Skordas said in a statement.

Skordas said his clients “did not write or send the anonymous letter” described in the search warrant, “nor did they direct anyone else to do so.” He also reiterated that Carpenter and Edmunds are unable to speak about specifics regarding their communications with Rigby or the Summit County Sheriff’s Office because of the ongoing investigation.

The search warrant, which was unsealed last week, provides a detailed timeline of events last winter that spurred a criminal investigation into Rigby, who lost the primary election in June to Wasatch County Director of Emergency Services Jeremy Hales. Hales faces an unaffiliated candidate, Paul Moore, who moved to Heber City a year ago, in the upcoming general election on Nov. 3.

The search warrant states Summit County Chief Deputy Jon Evans received a phone call from Carpenter on Dec. 22, 2025, in which Carpenter told Evans that an individual, later identified as Edmunds, was going to submit a public records request for Mainord’s personnel file for the years he was employed with the Heber City Police Department, from 2014 to 2019.

Carpenter reportedly told Evans to ask Mainord to call Rigby. Evans “relayed that request,” but Mainord indicated he had “no intention” of calling Rigby and that Rigby “knew how to get in touch … if he wanted to.”

Rigby called Summit County Sheriff Kacey Bates in early January and asked to set up a meeting, telling her that he wanted “to talk campaign.” Bates at the time believed Rigby wanted to discuss an endorsement agreement, according to the search warrant.

Bates suggested meeting the following week, but Rigby “was insistent about an earlier meeting,” and the two agreed to have lunch together at Park City Hospital the next day, Jan. 8.

Rigby brought a manila envelope with him to the hospital and told Bates that he “had some concerns” about Mainord, adding that a public records request had been filed to obtain Mainord’s personnel file from the Heber City Police Department.

He then showed Bates the contents of the manila envelope, which included a “list of 13 ‘allegations’ involving” Mainord. Bates later discovered the allegations were the same as those included in Edmunds’ public records request.

Rigby reportedly told Bates that the list was “going to come out” about Mainord and encouraged her to speak to the Summit County Attorney’s Office because Mainord was a potential witness for the Darden Richins case. He indicated that the allegations would “have an impact on the trial,” according to the search warrant.

Bates allegedly told Rigby that the allegations sounded “slimy and like mudslinging,” with Rigby responding that Mainord’s “side started this.”

“Ms. Bates had the clear impression that Mr. Rigby was intimating that unless Mr. Mainord withdrew his candidacy, this information would become public and either directly or indirectly have a negative impact on the prosecution of Kouri Richins,” the search warrant says.

Thirty minutes after Bates met with Rigby, she received a call from Carpenter and told him that she felt ambushed by the conversation at the hospital. Carpenter again encouraged Bates to speak with the Summit County Attorney’s Office and said it would be “unfortunate” if the findings of the public records request affected the Darden Richins trial.

Summit County Attorney Margaret Olson received an anonymous letter in the mail two weeks later that was “unsigned and had no return address,” according to the search warrant. The letter included allegations against Mainord and “suggested certain incidents” needed to be investigated. It claimed there were “serious concerns as to his credibility and reliability as a witness.”

Olson immediately reported the letter to Bates, who recognized it as the same 13 allegations Rigby had shown her earlier that month.

“A handwriting expert … has preliminarily identified the handwriting on Mr. Edmunds’ (public records) request as the ‘possible’ handwriting of Mr. Rigby, subject to further analysis,” the search warrant says.

The warrant claimed the three phones were likely used by Rigby, Carpenter and Edmunds to coordinate the public records request and conversations with the Sheriff’s Office.

Park City Mayor Ryan Dickey declined to comment on allegations directed toward Carpenter in the search warrant, but he said he has “full confidence” in Carpenter’s performance as the city’s police chief.

“Chief Carpenter’s nearly two-decade track record of excellence as both the chief of our police department and a leader internationally in his profession speaks for itself,” Dickey said in a statement to The Park Record. “I have full confidence in his leadership of our police department.”

Skordas in his statement reiterated that search warrants are a normal part of an investigation, but they do not offer an opportunity to discuss context or provide evidence.

“At this stage, the court hears only from investigators,” Skordas said. “The people discussed in the affidavit do not have an opportunity to respond, provide context or challenge the information presented. The affidavit may therefore include allegations, interpretations and information from third parties that has not been independently confirmed.”

Skordas said the claims against Carpenter and Edmunds “have not been tried in a court proceeding” and that the existence of a search warrant does not mean the included information is “true.”

“Carpenter and Edmunds have cooperated with the investigation and will continue to do so,” he said. “They respect the investigative process and believe the complete facts, including the context surrounding the communications described in the affidavit, should be evaluated before conclusions are reached. Chief Carpenter remains committed to the integrity of the Park City Police Department and to (maintaining) the trust of the community it serves.”

Rigby has not responded to a request for comment on the allegations included in the search warrant as of Thursday afternoon. He has previously declared his innocence.

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Summit County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested an individual with several outstanding warrants after they were called to respond to a domestic violence incident in the Snyderville Basin last week.

Deputies were dispatched to the incident and determined there was probable cause to arrest the aggressor for kidnapping, aggravated assault, assault, threats of violence and interrupting a communication device, according to shift reports.

The individual also had a felony warrant in New Mexico and a warrant for missing a court appearance for a domestic violence case involving the same victim. Deputies arrested the individual and booked them into the Summit County Jail.

Deputies responded to multiple other calls between Monday, Aug. 3, and Sunday, Aug. 16, including suspected DUIs, injured hikers and a fight at a store in Kimball Junction.

Sunday, Aug. 16

Summit County Search and Rescue teams were called to find an overdue hiker near Fehr Lake. Deputies found the hiker’s car near the trailhead. However, the hiker returned to his car before Search and Rescue teams arrived on scene. The call was then canceled.

Deputies stopped a car with an expired registration on S.R. 224. The vehicle smelled of alcohol, and the driver admitted to consuming “several alcoholic beverages” over the last hour. The driver performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was booked into the Summit County Jail for a suspected DUI.

Saturday, Aug. 15

Search and Rescue teams were called to respond to a medical emergency near Ryder Lake. However, the patient was able to return to the trailhead before crews arrived.

Deputies stopped a car on S.R. 224 after they observed multiple traffic violations. The driver appeared impaired, had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. The driver participated in field sobriety tests, and deputies determined the driver was not capable of safely operating a car. They arrested and booked the driver into the Summit County Jail for a suspected DUI.

Wednesday, Aug. 12

Deputies responded to a reported accident involving a passenger car and a piece of construction equipment on Old Highway 40. The driver of the car performed poorly on field sobriety tests and showed signs of impairment. Deputies placed the driver into custody and booked them into the Summit County Jail after receiving medical clearance.

Saturday, Aug. 8

Deputies responded to an accident in which a car had backed into a parked bus. The driver of the car showed signs of impairment and performed poorly on field sobriety tests. The driver was arrested for a suspected DUI and booked into the Summit County Jail.

Thursday, Aug. 6

Search and Rescue teams were dispatched to a medical emergency near Notch Lake. An individual had dislocated his knee, and a Department of Public Safety helicopter hoisted him to the trailhead to receive medical care.

Wednesday, Aug. 5

Search and Rescue teams assisted with a medical emergency near Wall Lake. They found the individual and helped transport them to the trailhead. The patient was then transported to the hospital.

Search and Rescue teams were paged to investigate the area near a scenic pull-off on Interstate 80 because a vehicle belonging to a missing person was found nearby. They searched on foot and with drones, but they did not find the missing person.

Tuesday, Aug. 4

Deputies responded to reports of a fight at a Kimball Junction retail store. Multiple witnesses said two individuals had gotten into a physical altercation in the parking lot. One of the individuals was a juvenile, and deputies placed the adult involved into custody and transported the adult to the Summit County Jail.

Deputies stopped a car on Paintbrush Road after they observed multiple traffic violations and “suspicious driving behavior.” The car’s registration was revoked, and the driver did not have insurance or a valid license. The vehicle’s VIN number was also “purposely concealed” and illegible. Deputies arrested the driver and impounded the car.

Monday, Aug. 3

Deputies stopped a vehicle near the intersection of S.R. 224 and Newpark Boulevard because of a registration violation. The driver stopped in the middle of the road, and deputies had to direct the driver to pull onto the shoulder. The smell of alcohol emanated from the car, and the driver admitted to drinking at a wine tasting event. The driver participated in field sobriety tests and showed signs of impairment. Deputies arrested the driver for a suspected DUI and booked the individual into the Summit County Jail.

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The Park City Elks Lodge honored area first responders on Saturday during a ceremony held as crews continued to fight a wildfire on the East Side of Summit County.

The efforts to stop the Rocky Canyon Fire were noted at the Rotary Park gathering of personnel from various emergency agencies, as the Elks Lodge named those selected for the annual awards.

The event drew dozens of emergency responders and their families for a barbecue and the awards ceremony. It is among the largest gatherings of emergency agencies in Park City each year.

“We’re indebted to these first responders in a way we can never pay back,” said Michael DeJarnette, the exalted ruler of the local Elks Lodge.

He said Park City is an active community that requires the work of the first responders. He also said there is danger of avalanches, fires, flash floods and crime. DeJarnette said there is “such a high level of safety and order” in the community.

“We just know they’re there if something goes wrong,” he said. “They’re willing to put the community first, citizens first, and take risks not everyone is willing to take.”

Each honoree received a $250 check and gift cards to local businesses. They were also given the opportunity to allocate a $1,000 scholarship at their discretion.

The honorees, with biographical information compiled by the Elks Lodge:

Hudson Zwahlen was the Park City Fire District firefighter of the year. Zwahlen has worked for the district for over six years, advancing clinical expertise and earning certifications as a flight paramedic and in critical care. He is also a member of the team assigned to wildland fires and the medic for Summit County SWAT.

“His commitment to advanced prehospital medicine, mentoring developing paramedics, and serving the community where he was born and raised makes him an exceptional representative of our district,” the Elks Lodge says.

Gabrielle Longchamp was the Park City Fire District EMS paramedic of the year. Longchamp arrived at the district in 2023 with a background in subjects like neuroscience, biotechnology and hospital care. She also brought experience in ski patrol and outdoor rescues. Longchamp finished paramedic school and is trained as an EMS instructor.

“Gabrielle’s dedication also extends to supporting her fellow first responders, including completing a 50-kilometer trail race to raise funds for the Responder Alliance Foundation,” the Elks Lodge says.

Jake Odom was the Utah Highway Patrol trooper of the year in the agency’s Section 7. Odom is from Georgia, arrived in Utah nine years ago as a student at the University of Utah, and began his time at the Highway Patrol in 2023. He has been a corporal since December.

The Elks Lodge says the trooper “has been awarded a Medal of Excellence for stopping a wrong way driver” and became a certified motor officer, Section 7’s first. He has been a key in training troopers as well, according to the Elks Lodge.

Katie James was the Park City Police Department’s officer of the year. James, a detective, started her work with the agency in 2023 and worked in law enforcement in California previously. She has “established herself as an exceptional investigator whose professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to serving others have consistently exceeded expectations throughout her law enforcement career,” according to the Elks Lodge.

“Detective James has demonstrated remarkable perseverance by taking ownership of challenging cases that require patience, creativity and relentless follow through. Rather than focusing solely on case disposition, she remains committed to ensuring victims receive the attention, compassion, and advocacy they deserve throughout the investigative process. Her dedication has earned the respect of victims, fellow investigators, prosecutors, and partner agencies alike,” the information states.

Sgt. Zachary Howick was the Summit County Sheriff’s Office deputy of the year. Howick has been crucial to the agency’s off-highway vehicle, or OHV, program. He has “been instrumental in identifying equipment needs, acquiring and implementing new OHV platforms and trailers, developing operational plans, and ensuring the unit is prepared to meet the increasing demands placed upon it,” the Elks Lodge says. He played an important role in the efforts to combat the Beulah Fire in 2025 in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

“Recognizing the rapidly evolving nature of the incident, Sergeant Howick effectively organized and deployed OHV resources to areas inaccessible to traditional emergency vehicles. His foresight, decisive leadership, and operational planning allowed evacuation efforts to begin quickly, contributing to an organized and efficient evacuation process that enhanced public safety and supported the broader incident objectives,” according to the Elks Lodge.

Kevan Todd was the Summit County Search & Rescue first responder of the year. Todd has been involved with Summit County Search & Rescue as a 34-year volunteer. “Search and Rescue has never been just about finding lost hikers or responding to emergencies. For Kevan, it has been about people. Through countless training exercises, late-night callouts, difficult rescues, and shared victories, he has formed lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers and their families,” the Elks Lodge says.

The biographical information continued: “Over the years, Kevan has experienced moments that have forever changed his perspective on life. From helping reunite families to providing comfort during someone’s darkest hour, every rescue has reinforced the value of compassion, teamwork, and service. While the work has often been physically demanding and emotionally challenging, it has also been deeply rewarding. Knowing that he has been able to make a difference in the lives of others is something he considers one of the greatest blessings of his life.”

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The Summit County Sheriff’s Office declined to issue a correction for an emergency alert that mistakenly pinged cellphones outside the Rocky Canyon Fire evacuation area because officials didn’t want to confuse residents who needed to leave their homes.

On Sunday afternoon, the law enforcement agency sent an alert notifying Henefer residents of an evacuation order spurred by the Rocky Canyon Fire. However, residents in other parts of Summit County and Salt Lake County also received the message, which led to confusion about the fire’s scope and affected neighborhoods.

The Sheriff’s Office in a press release said the department “did not have a complete understanding of what had occurred” at the time and initially believed the notification had reached its intended audience.

“The notification dashboard available to us was indicating that only 107 phones had received the alert, while information coming back from the community indicated that the alert had reached phones well beyond the intended geographic area,” the press release said. “This discrepancy made it difficult to determine the actual scope of the issue and who may have received the alert.”

The press release explained the Sheriff’s Office decided not to send a second alert correcting the mistake to avoid creating “even greater confusion.”

“Our concern was that people who needed to evacuate could receive conflicting information and mistakenly believe the evacuation order no longer applied to them,” the press release said. “While we recognize that the initial (alert) caused significant confusion for many residents, our decisions were guided by one priority: protecting human life and preventing further confusion for those who needed to evacuate.”

The agency has reviewed its alert system and said “everything appears to be functioning properly” as of Monday afternoon, but the program’s software technicians have been notified of the incident “to ensure the system is functioning properly on their end.”

The press release called the mistake an “isolated occurrence” and indicated the Sheriff’s Office will continue using the alert system as the Rocky Canyon Fire unfolds. However, the department plans to undertake “a more comprehensive investigation” into the accidental notification “when circumstances allow.”

The Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the fear and confusion the alert caused for many residents and apologized for the situation, saying the department is committed to uncovering what happened and addressing any unresolved issues.

“We understand how unsettling it was for residents to receive an emergency alert that did not apply to their location,” the press release said. “We know our community must have confidence in both the emergency alerting system and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to effectively manage and communicate during an emergency. We take that responsibility seriously and do not want this incident to undermine that trust in any way.”

The Sheriff’s Office also shares information on wildfires and other public safety emergencies online, and the department reminded residents to check the county website and social media pages for updates. 

Details on the Rocky Canyon Fire, including community meetings and evacuation orders, are available by visiting tinyurl.com/4yptafas.

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A man who claims Summit County sheriff’s deputies illegally entered his home and subjected him to excessive force has filed a lawsuit against the department for allegedly violating his constitutional rights.

Radu Dugala filed the complaint last week in Third District Court. Dugala has a lengthy criminal history in the area, with charges dating back to 1995. Most recently, Dugala was arrested and charged for his reported involvement in a domestic violence incident in April on Bobsled Boulevard, in which he barricaded himself inside a home and fled from law enforcement officials, according to a probable cause statement.

The lawsuit alleged a deputy illegally entered Dugala’s home, subjected him to excessive force and unlawfully detained him without probable cause in late 2023. It claims Dugala has experienced “severe physical and emotional injuries” because of the incident, which were “enabled by Summit County’s deliberate indifference to proper training.”

The complaint named the deputy, former Sheriff Frank Smith, the county government and the Sheriff’s Office as defendants.

The document stated Dugala had returned home from the grocery store when the deputy “attacked” him in his garage, with the complaint specifically noting the deputy had made no attempts to follow or pull over Dugala before he parked his car. The deputy did not have a warrant or probable cause to initiate the interaction, the lawsuit said.

The deputy reportedly opened Dugala’s passenger door and ordered him to exit the vehicle. Dugala expressed his shock over the “intrusion” and asked why the deputy was in his garage, which is when the deputy “responded with excessive force, wrenching (Dugala’s) left arm across his body” while he was still wearing his seatbelt. The action allegedly caused “a tear in his left arm tendons near the elbow,” according to the complaint.

Dugala at the time was “unarmed, compliant and posed no imminent threat,” the document said, adding that the injury caused “lasting damage” to Dugala’s arm, shoulder and elbow, “as well as emotional distress, medical expenses and economic losses.”

The lawsuit claimed the deputy “fabricated charges” against Dugala, including willfully failing to obey an officer, interference with an arrest and driving under the influence “despite body camera evidence contradicting” the information.

The complaint said those charges were “terminated in” Dugala’s favor, seemingly indicating the counts had been dropped. However, court documents show Dugala pleaded guilty to impaired driving, a class B misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 48 hours of community service.

Dugala requested relief for the department’s alleged use of excessive force, illegal entry into his garage, illegal detention, malicious prosecution and the intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit also demanded relief based on the county’s “unlawful policies” and “failure to train or supervise” deputies.

Dugala asked Third District Judge Richard Mrazik to grant him compensatory damages and attorneys fees in addition to an injunction “requiring Summit County to implement lawful policies and training on the use of force.”

Sgt. Skyler Talbot with the Sheriff’s Office said the department is aware of the filing, but it had not been formally served as of Monday afternoon. He declined to comment on the matter further, citing pending litigation.

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The Summit County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the loss of more than $40,000 from the Summit County Jail’s bank account, but officials say there is no reason to suspect any current or former employees were involved in the alleged theft.

The Sheriff’s Office filed a warrant in March to obtain documents from Verizon, which received more than $40,000 in payments from a Wells Fargo bank account used to fund jail expenses. The payments were made from October 2022 to June 2025, according to the affidavit.

Sgt. Skyler Talbot with the Sheriff’s Office called the incident an “active criminal investigation into suspected fraud” and said the department can’t share more information because it needs to protect the integrity of the case.

However, he emphasized the alleged fraud was likely not committed by any Sheriff’s Office employees.

“This is being investigated as an external criminal fraud matter and not as an internal personnel investigation,” Talbot said. “The Summit County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the importance of transparency and will provide additional information when doing so will not compromise the criminal investigation.”

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