The city of Oneonta and their police chief, Charles Clifton, are asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by former police K-9 officer Ryan Pinyan, who claims he was wrongfully terminated after being shot by a colleague during a standoff. Pinyan filed a lawsuit in February, alleging wrongful termination by the city and Chief Clifton. The case has since been transferred to federal court.
In their motions to dismiss, Clifton and the city argue that Pinyan’s suit is too broad and lacks specific factual allegations to support his claims. Clifton’s lawyers assert that he cannot be held responsible as he was not Pinyan’s employer, and any complaint should be directed at the city. Oneonta’s brief also argues that as a municipality, they are immune from liability for conspiracy.
The shooting incident occurred in November 2023 during a standoff with a suspect, where Pinyan was accidentally shot in the leg by a fellow officer. Pinyan’s lawsuit alleges that he was terminated without due process months after the incident and lost money he had raised for his injured police dog.
Lawyers for Pinyan, the city, and Chief Clifton have not commented on the case. The federal judge overseeing the case has set deadlines for responses to the motions to dismiss. Pinyan’s complaint seeks damages for his wrongful termination and names the City of Oneonta, Chief Charles Clifton, and three unnamed individuals as defendants.
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