A lawsuit filed by a Lakewood man against the Lakewood Police Department says he was attacked by a police dog while he was sleeping in his apartment and suffered neck wounds.

The suit was filed last September by Spencer Erickson, who was 25 at the time of the September 2018 incident.

Officers were called to the apartment at the 7300 block of West Hampden Avenue on Sept. 21, 2018 by Erickson's roommate Drew McGuire, who claimed Erickson damaged property in the apartment. McGuire didn't report any violent behavior or threats from Erickson and told police Erickson had drunk vodka and may have used marijuana.

Police attempted to call and text Erickson's phone, telling him to come out of the apartment with his hands up. They warned him that if he failed to do so, they would bring the dog into his apartment, the lawsuit reads.

The dog was eventually released into the apartment and found and attacked Erickson. Neck wounds from bites from the dog permanently damaged Erickson's vocal cords, the suit alleges.

Police reports read that Erickson fought and interfered with the dog during apprehension.

He was hospitalized following the incident and later pleaded guilty to criminal mischief for damaging the apartment and was sentenced to probation.

In seeking restitution, Erickson said in the lawsuit that he suffers from pain, injuries, trauma, trouble sleeping, nightmares and a fear of dogs. The lawsuit says he was diagnosed with PTSD because of the incident.

His lawyer, Adam Frank, said the case is in the discovery phase.