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The human jaw and its powerful bite is an underestimated threat for those who protect and serve for a living. Master Officer Hans Schafer, who works out of the First Precinct in the City of Virginia Beach, received such an injury by an assailant during patrol in 2006.
Schafer was working the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift when he observed a vehicle speeding toward an intersection. The occupant noticed Schafer's patrol car and quickly attempted to stop. The vehicle skidded and spun out as a result. The occupant of the vehicle began to drive away and Schafer quickly found himself in pursuit.
Another officer joined the chase as the vehicle sped through the streets into a parking lot. The suspect's car hit a curb, blowing out both front tires. The driver jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot. Schafer chased and caught the suspect. They began to struggle.
The suspect bit down onto Schafer's forearm. Officers did everything they could to dislodge the suspect's bite, but he would not let go. Finally the suspect released his bite and was arrested.
Schafer's injuries were serious – the assailant had bitten through many layers of clothing. Schafer went to the hospital with a deep laceration to his wrist. His hand was completely numb and his ulnar nerve that runs from the shoulder to the hand had been damaged. Schafer was prescribed antibiotics to stave off infection.
Unfortunately, the antibiotics killed the wrong bacteria in his body and Schafer found himself back in the hospital with serious flu-like symptoms. The infection worsened and Schafer had his appendix removed, lost 34 pounds and was off work for almost two months.
Three weeks after he recovered, he had to have surgery to repair the nerve damage to his arm. According to Dr. Marc Munoz, a bite from a human being can be treated easily. "There are all types of bacteria in the mouth. If an officer is bitten, he or she needs to be treated by a doctor.
The need to make sure to have the wound properly cleaned out and get a treatment of antibiotics, usually oral antibiotics to avoid infection." While Schafer has returned to work, he still feels numbness in his hand. But like most cops, Hans knows that the risk of injury or death is just part of the job
"Hey, it's just another day in the life of a police officer," he says with a smile.
Vincent Schilling is a freelance photographer and writer. He is the author of "Native Athletes in Action" and "Native Men of Courage" featuring Virginia Beach Police Officer Mark Bowman. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites        
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