Shareece Wright case complicated by alleged dog bite
USC FOOTBALL
The USC cornerback says he was bit as police tried to break up a party; his attorney says the city is worried about a lawsuit.
A hearing today at San Bernardino County Superior Court connected to charges against USC cornerback Shareece Wright was continued until Dec. 17.
Wright, charged with felony resisting a police officer for his actions at a party in Colton during the Labor Day weekend, is seeking to have the count either dismissed or reduced to a misdemeanor, his attorney, Carlos Juarez, said today.
Juarez said Colton police complicated the situation by encouraging Wright to provide a statement that he wasn't bitten by a police German Shepherd. Wright said he was bit on the right ankle as the party was broken up, drawing a little blood.
"It was no big deal, but the dog bit me," Wright said.
Juarez said officers who interrogated Wright asked the player, "Sure? We can make this right." A telephone call to Colton police today seeking comment was not immediately returned.
The player and his attorney say they have no plans to pursue a civil action against the police department. "I just want it resolved," Wright said.
The party was for a friend of Wright's who was being sent away for military service. Police who had been called to the residence asked that partygoers leave the home, but Wright says he lacked a valid driver's license, had been drinking and was invited by the family to stay.
Juarez said he had gathered seven witness statements to confirm Wright's account.
The attorney said he had spoken with county prosecutor Sean McNally and was hopeful of resolving the case outside of court. "It has to be less than a felony," Juarez added.
A felony conviction could result in a maximum three-year prison sentence.
Wright, a starter who is sidelined with an injured neck, said he would undergo a CT scan Thursday to establish whether he can play football again this season.
Pugmire is a Times staff writer.
lance.pugmire@latimes.com
