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Post by KC on Dec 3, 2006 18:45:11 GMT -5
The Rev. Al Sharpton shook his head as he walked past the crime scene tape and makeshift memorials outside the home of Kathryn Johnston, the elderly woman gunned down last month by narcotics police officers serving a warrant there. "Terrible," he muttered Sunday morning as he turned away from the scene of teddy bears and a wreath laid in front of the tan brick house. Sharpton said Johnston's death _ along with the death of 23-year-old groom-to-be Sean Bell, who was fatally shot by police on his wedding day outside a Queens, N.Y., strip club _ is an example of "a new sense of police recklessness" sweeping the country. "Something stinks in this case," he said. "In fact, it smelled so bad that I smelled it in New York." Sharpton stood with local activists and called for the incoming Congress to address the issue of policing on a federal level. "There seems to be a new spirit in law enforcement that they can become the judge, jury and executioner of the law on the scene," Sharpton said. Such a mentality enforces a police state, he said, and sends a message to law enforcement that due process means nothing. "Police apprehend suspects; they don't kill them," Sharpton said. "This cannot be tolerated in a civilized society." Johnston _ who her family said was 92, but was 88 according to the county medical examiner _ had few visitors and lived in fear in Vine City. The northwest Atlanta neighborhood near the Atlanta University Center and the Georgia Dome is plagued with crime and drugs. The elderly woman was home alone the night of Nov. 21 when a group of plainclothes officers burst in, searching for drugs. Johnston opened fire, wounding three officers before she was shot to death. The officers had obtained a "no-knock" warrant earlier that day after they said an informant bought drugs at the house from a man who has not been arrested. The informant later denied buying drugs at Johnston's home and said he was told by police to lie about the incident, Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington said, adding that informant, who's in protective custody, is a key part of the FBI-led investigation into the shootout. The Rev. Markel Hutchins has led the community response to Johnston's shooting and prayed with Sharpton in front of her home, praising Johnston's life, legacy and courage. "We pray that this day will be a catalyst for change in this community and for congressional action," Hutchins said. Sharpton has been at the forefront of the Queens shooting. Bell and his friends were leaving his bachelor party on Nov. 25 when the group was hit by a hail of police bullets. Police have said that Bell's vehicle hit one officer and an unmarked police car, and officers apparently thought one of Bell's companions was about to get to a gun. Critics say the use of force was not justified, pointing to the firing of more than 50 shots. Sharpton said Sunday that federal standards for policing are needed, and the pattern of policies like no-knock warrants and the use of informants is a civil rights issue that should be under investigation along with individual incidents like the Johnston and Bell shootings. "A crime is a crime whether the perpetrator has on a blue uniform or blue jeans," Sharpton said. www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=84048
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Post by KC on Dec 3, 2006 18:45:11 GMT -5
The Rev. Al Sharpton shook his head as he walked past the crime scene tape and makeshift memorials outside the home of Kathryn Johnston, the elderly woman gunned down last month by narcotics police officers serving a warrant there. "Terrible," he muttered Sunday morning as he turned away from the scene of teddy bears and a wreath laid in front of the tan brick house. Sharpton said Johnston's death _ along with the death of 23-year-old groom-to-be Sean Bell, who was fatally shot by police on his wedding day outside a Queens, N.Y., strip club _ is an example of "a new sense of police recklessness" sweeping the country. "Something stinks in this case," he said. "In fact, it smelled so bad that I smelled it in New York." Sharpton stood with local activists and called for the incoming Congress to address the issue of policing on a federal level. "There seems to be a new spirit in law enforcement that they can become the judge, jury and executioner of the law on the scene," Sharpton said. Such a mentality enforces a police state, he said, and sends a message to law enforcement that due process means nothing. "Police apprehend suspects; they don't kill them," Sharpton said. "This cannot be tolerated in a civilized society." Johnston _ who her family said was 92, but was 88 according to the county medical examiner _ had few visitors and lived in fear in Vine City. The northwest Atlanta neighborhood near the Atlanta University Center and the Georgia Dome is plagued with crime and drugs. The elderly woman was home alone the night of Nov. 21 when a group of plainclothes officers burst in, searching for drugs. Johnston opened fire, wounding three officers before she was shot to death. The officers had obtained a "no-knock" warrant earlier that day after they said an informant bought drugs at the house from a man who has not been arrested. The informant later denied buying drugs at Johnston's home and said he was told by police to lie about the incident, Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington said, adding that informant, who's in protective custody, is a key part of the FBI-led investigation into the shootout. The Rev. Markel Hutchins has led the community response to Johnston's shooting and prayed with Sharpton in front of her home, praising Johnston's life, legacy and courage. "We pray that this day will be a catalyst for change in this community and for congressional action," Hutchins said. Sharpton has been at the forefront of the Queens shooting. Bell and his friends were leaving his bachelor party on Nov. 25 when the group was hit by a hail of police bullets. Police have said that Bell's vehicle hit one officer and an unmarked police car, and officers apparently thought one of Bell's companions was about to get to a gun. Critics say the use of force was not justified, pointing to the firing of more than 50 shots. Sharpton said Sunday that federal standards for policing are needed, and the pattern of policies like no-knock warrants and the use of informants is a civil rights issue that should be under investigation along with individual incidents like the Johnston and Bell shootings. "A crime is a crime whether the perpetrator has on a blue uniform or blue jeans," Sharpton said. www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=84048
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Post by KC on Nov 29, 2006 20:03:07 GMT -5
Albany -- The FBI is now looking into the shooting death by Atlanta Police of an 88-year-old woman during a narcotics raid of her home. The officers were issued a "no-knock" search warrant, which allowed them to go into her home unannounced. The Atlanta woman shot three officers when they kicked in her door, before they killed her in a shootout. The officers told a Judge an informant bought drugs at the woman's home to get that warrant. Now the informant says police told him to lie after the shooting. South Georgia law enforcement and Judges say no knock search warrants are necessary to fight crime, but know they must not be abused. South Georgia law enforcement officers use no knock search warrants, but Dougherty County Sheriff's Investigator Craig Dodd says officers must prove to a judge a reason for one. "In order to get a no knock search warrant, you have to list for the judge who signs it very specific reasons. You can't get a no knock search warrant for just any reason." The no knock search warrant allows Police to burst into your home or business with just an announcement of who they are. Chief Judge Loring Gray says requests for these warrants require serious thought. "We have the greatest respect for the Fourth Amendment and we believe in the sanctity of a person's property." Dodd worked in drug task forces where he said no knock search warrants were needed. But he says officers are not eager to use them, because of the danger. Former District Attorney Brown Moseley says, "No knock search warrants are at times absolutely necessary. But across the state, it's been very much abused." With the attention brought by the investigation into the shooting death of Kathryn Johnston in Atlanta, Judge Gray says search warrants will be even more closely judged. "But it's something that will certainly be forefront in my mind when we start talking about no knock search warrants, or search warrants of any kind for that matter," the judge said. Dodd says law enforcement officers need the no knock search warrants at times, for their safety. And says Police who abuse the policy hurt other law enforcers. Kathryn Johnston was buried today. The Atlanta Police officers who raided her home are on paid leave while the shooting is investigated by the FBI. www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=5740174&nav=5kZQ
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Post by KC on Nov 29, 2006 20:03:07 GMT -5
Albany -- The FBI is now looking into the shooting death by Atlanta Police of an 88-year-old woman during a narcotics raid of her home. The officers were issued a "no-knock" search warrant, which allowed them to go into her home unannounced. The Atlanta woman shot three officers when they kicked in her door, before they killed her in a shootout. The officers told a Judge an informant bought drugs at the woman's home to get that warrant. Now the informant says police told him to lie after the shooting. South Georgia law enforcement and Judges say no knock search warrants are necessary to fight crime, but know they must not be abused. South Georgia law enforcement officers use no knock search warrants, but Dougherty County Sheriff's Investigator Craig Dodd says officers must prove to a judge a reason for one. "In order to get a no knock search warrant, you have to list for the judge who signs it very specific reasons. You can't get a no knock search warrant for just any reason." The no knock search warrant allows Police to burst into your home or business with just an announcement of who they are. Chief Judge Loring Gray says requests for these warrants require serious thought. "We have the greatest respect for the Fourth Amendment and we believe in the sanctity of a person's property." Dodd worked in drug task forces where he said no knock search warrants were needed. But he says officers are not eager to use them, because of the danger. Former District Attorney Brown Moseley says, "No knock search warrants are at times absolutely necessary. But across the state, it's been very much abused." With the attention brought by the investigation into the shooting death of Kathryn Johnston in Atlanta, Judge Gray says search warrants will be even more closely judged. "But it's something that will certainly be forefront in my mind when we start talking about no knock search warrants, or search warrants of any kind for that matter," the judge said. Dodd says law enforcement officers need the no knock search warrants at times, for their safety. And says Police who abuse the policy hurt other law enforcers. Kathryn Johnston was buried today. The Atlanta Police officers who raided her home are on paid leave while the shooting is investigated by the FBI. www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=5740174&nav=5kZQ
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Post by KC on Nov 29, 2006 0:19:42 GMT -5
A couple says they had a frightening experience with some of the same officers involved in last week's deadly drug raid at Kathryn Johnston's home in northwest Atlanta. 11Alive's Jennifer Leslie spoke exclusively with the southwest Atlanta couple still shaken by what happened to them. "I would never have believed things like this happen," said Alphonso Howard. Alphonso Howard and his wife, Tia, say they will never forget the fear they felt when Atlanta police raided their home last year. "I could have been dead, all of us could have been dead and my kids, too," said Tia Howard. The Howard family and their three small children were asleep in their southwest Atlanta home when they heard someone breaking down their door. "So I rushed out of bed to the hallway. When I got in the hallway, they was right there with their guns telling me to get down. I was trying to get to my kids safety because I don't know if it's robbers or what. I don't know what's going on," said Alphonso Howard. Mr. Howard said he was confronted by several members of the Atlanta narcotics squad, who were there to execute a no-knock search warrant. According to that warrant, some of the same officers involved in the Kathryn Johnston raid also took part in this raid. Once again, they relied on a confidential informant who claimed he bought marijuana from someone inside the Howard's home. The police searched turned up nothing and no criminal charges were ever filed after the raid of the Howard's home. "No money or contraband were ever found and my client has no criminal history," said Kea Strozier, Howard family attorney. The Howard family filed a complaint with the Atlanta Police Department, but documents show internal affairs investigators could not prove or disprove their allegations of police misconduct. As a result, the complaint was not sustained. Last August, Howard's attorney filed a demand letter with the city asking for $100,000, claiming police caused the family extreme emotional distress and public embarrassment. City officials said they could not accept responsibility or pay the claim. Atlanta police would not talk with 11Alive about the Howard raid. Because the Howard family plans to file a civil lawsuit against the city, they said it would be inappropriate to comment. Atlanta police did confirm they plan to review the entire history of every officer involved in the Johnston raid and that would include the Howard raid. www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=88294
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Post by KC on Nov 29, 2006 0:19:42 GMT -5
A couple says they had a frightening experience with some of the same officers involved in last week's deadly drug raid at Kathryn Johnston's home in northwest Atlanta. 11Alive's Jennifer Leslie spoke exclusively with the southwest Atlanta couple still shaken by what happened to them. "I would never have believed things like this happen," said Alphonso Howard. Alphonso Howard and his wife, Tia, say they will never forget the fear they felt when Atlanta police raided their home last year. "I could have been dead, all of us could have been dead and my kids, too," said Tia Howard. The Howard family and their three small children were asleep in their southwest Atlanta home when they heard someone breaking down their door. "So I rushed out of bed to the hallway. When I got in the hallway, they was right there with their guns telling me to get down. I was trying to get to my kids safety because I don't know if it's robbers or what. I don't know what's going on," said Alphonso Howard. Mr. Howard said he was confronted by several members of the Atlanta narcotics squad, who were there to execute a no-knock search warrant. According to that warrant, some of the same officers involved in the Kathryn Johnston raid also took part in this raid. Once again, they relied on a confidential informant who claimed he bought marijuana from someone inside the Howard's home. The police searched turned up nothing and no criminal charges were ever filed after the raid of the Howard's home. "No money or contraband were ever found and my client has no criminal history," said Kea Strozier, Howard family attorney. The Howard family filed a complaint with the Atlanta Police Department, but documents show internal affairs investigators could not prove or disprove their allegations of police misconduct. As a result, the complaint was not sustained. Last August, Howard's attorney filed a demand letter with the city asking for $100,000, claiming police caused the family extreme emotional distress and public embarrassment. City officials said they could not accept responsibility or pay the claim. Atlanta police would not talk with 11Alive about the Howard raid. Because the Howard family plans to file a civil lawsuit against the city, they said it would be inappropriate to comment. Atlanta police did confirm they plan to review the entire history of every officer involved in the Johnston raid and that would include the Howard raid. www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=88294
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Post by KC on Nov 28, 2006 0:48:53 GMT -5
Police shooting of elderly woman leads to federal probe ATLANTA, Georgia -- Federal authorities will investigate last week's police involved shooting death of an elderly woman in Atlanta, the city's police chief announced Monday. Richard Pennington also said the eight-member narcotics team tied to the incident will be placed on paid leave. The move came after an informant -- named in a search warrant of the woman's home -- denied buying drugs at the residence, Pennington said. But police spokesmen had initially said narcotics officers carried out a drug buy Tuesday from a man identified only as "Sam" at Kathryn Johnston's home west of downtown Atlanta. Pennington said investigators found a small amount of marijuana there after the raid. "The officers are saying one thing. The confidential informant is saying something else," the chief said. The decision to turn the case over to the FBI, federal prosecutors, the Fulton County district attorney's office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, came in the middle of "intense speculation and suspicion" surrounding the shooting, said Pennington. He promised to make "every document, every witness and piece of evidence" available. Police said Johnston opened fire on police who tried to enter her home last Tuesday. Three officers were wounded, and Johnston was killed when police returned fire. Neighbors and relatives said the raid had to have been a mistake. Johnston lived alone and was so afraid of crime in the neighborhood that she wouldn't let neighbors who delivered groceries for her come into her home, they said. Relatives gave her age as 92, but Fulton County medical examiners put her age at 88. Reviewing "no-knock" policy The chief said his department was reviewing its use of "no-knock" raids after the shootout. The warrants are common in narcotics cases when officers fear suspects may try to dispose of drugs or evidence in the time it takes authorities to gain access to the home. "There are many unanswered questions. I promise each and every citizen that the complete truth will be eventually known, whatever that might be," he said. "But we must all exercise patience while we examine and re-examine every single aspect of these tragic events." A spokesman for Johnston's family, the Rev. Markel Hutchins, went to Washington to request a federal investigation Monday. Hutchins said he had received assurance agencies involved would conduct a "swift and thorough" investigation into Johnston's death. Hutchins said the three mid-level officials with whom he met also promised "all resources at our disposal" to help counter the fallout in the African American community from the fatal shooting. And a Justice Department official in Washington confirmed the Civil Rights Division's interest in the case. "We have begun a review of the matter, and are collecting information," spokesperson Cynthia Magnuson said. "The FBI has already begun its investigation and we are coordinating with other agencies." Hutchins said he urged Justice Department officials to pressure local police departments to stop using "no knock" search warrants. www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/27/atlanta.shooting/
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Post by KC on Nov 28, 2006 0:48:53 GMT -5
Police shooting of elderly woman leads to federal probe ATLANTA, Georgia -- Federal authorities will investigate last week's police involved shooting death of an elderly woman in Atlanta, the city's police chief announced Monday. Richard Pennington also said the eight-member narcotics team tied to the incident will be placed on paid leave. The move came after an informant -- named in a search warrant of the woman's home -- denied buying drugs at the residence, Pennington said. But police spokesmen had initially said narcotics officers carried out a drug buy Tuesday from a man identified only as "Sam" at Kathryn Johnston's home west of downtown Atlanta. Pennington said investigators found a small amount of marijuana there after the raid. "The officers are saying one thing. The confidential informant is saying something else," the chief said. The decision to turn the case over to the FBI, federal prosecutors, the Fulton County district attorney's office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, came in the middle of "intense speculation and suspicion" surrounding the shooting, said Pennington. He promised to make "every document, every witness and piece of evidence" available. Police said Johnston opened fire on police who tried to enter her home last Tuesday. Three officers were wounded, and Johnston was killed when police returned fire. Neighbors and relatives said the raid had to have been a mistake. Johnston lived alone and was so afraid of crime in the neighborhood that she wouldn't let neighbors who delivered groceries for her come into her home, they said. Relatives gave her age as 92, but Fulton County medical examiners put her age at 88. Reviewing "no-knock" policy The chief said his department was reviewing its use of "no-knock" raids after the shootout. The warrants are common in narcotics cases when officers fear suspects may try to dispose of drugs or evidence in the time it takes authorities to gain access to the home. "There are many unanswered questions. I promise each and every citizen that the complete truth will be eventually known, whatever that might be," he said. "But we must all exercise patience while we examine and re-examine every single aspect of these tragic events." A spokesman for Johnston's family, the Rev. Markel Hutchins, went to Washington to request a federal investigation Monday. Hutchins said he had received assurance agencies involved would conduct a "swift and thorough" investigation into Johnston's death. Hutchins said the three mid-level officials with whom he met also promised "all resources at our disposal" to help counter the fallout in the African American community from the fatal shooting. And a Justice Department official in Washington confirmed the Civil Rights Division's interest in the case. "We have begun a review of the matter, and are collecting information," spokesperson Cynthia Magnuson said. "The FBI has already begun its investigation and we are coordinating with other agencies." Hutchins said he urged Justice Department officials to pressure local police departments to stop using "no knock" search warrants. www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/27/atlanta.shooting/
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Post by KC on Nov 23, 2006 21:09:56 GMT -5
ATLANTA. Ga. -- Many people on the rundown northwest Atlanta street where Kathryn Johnston lived fortify their windows with metal bars and arm themselves for protection. Johnston, 92, was no exception. She was waiting with her gun on Tuesday night when a group of plainclothes officers with a warrant knocked down her door in a search for drugs, police said. She opened fire, wounding three officers, before being shot to death, police said. Assistant Police Chief Alan Dreher called the killing "tragic and unfortunate" but said the officers were justified in returning fire. "You don't know who's in the house until you open that door," Dreher said Wednesday. "And once they forced open the door, they were immediately fired upon." The Rev. Markel Hutchins, a civil rights activist and spokesman for Johnston's family, said he could understand why the elderly woman would arm herself. "She was afraid," Hutchins said. "This is a horrifying situation in a neighborhood where crime happens often. This incident is a result of a mix-up." The officers had gone to the old woman's house with a search warrant after buying drugs there from a man known only as Sam, police said. Police issued a "John Doe" warrant on Wednesday for the arrest of Sam, believed to be in his early to mid 30s, who allegedly sold the drugs to the undercover agent. Dreher would not say how the dealer knew Johnston. Investigators also said they found drugs in the home after Johnston was killed. Officer Joe Cobb, a police spokesman, said the type of drug involved would not be disclosed until it was verified by the crime lab. District Attorney Paul Howard said that his office is looking into the shooting but that a preliminary review indicates the officers had a right to search the home. Crime and drugs are a part of the landscape in the rough neighborhood where Johnston lived, and her neighbors said they do what it takes to protect themselves. "It's the roughest neighborhood in Georgia," said 56-year-old Allen Pernel, who lives a few blocks from Johnston's home. "If she thought somebody was coming into her house, she did what any of us would have done." Al Harley, a 50-year-old homeless man who hangs out in front of a neighborhood convenience store, said residents follow a sort of credo: "Don't let anyone disrespect your door."The police chief said the officers had identified themselves and then forced open the door of Johnson's house of 17 years. Johnston was alone in her house, police said. Bullets struck Investigator Gary Smith, 38, in the leg and Investigator Cary Bond, 38, in the arm. Investigator Gregg Junnier, 40, was hit in the leg, the face and his bulletproof vest. They were taken to the hospital and are expected to recover. Johnston had no children and her closest relative was a 75-year-old niece, neighbors said. "She hardly came outside her home," said Tameka Walker, 28, who lives behind Johnston's house and used to visit her. "She's not a 92-year-old grouchy old woman you think she was. She's a very nice person." www.pantagraph.com/articles/2006/11/23/news/doc456466c5f1e86283034474.txt
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Post by KC on Nov 23, 2006 21:09:56 GMT -5
ATLANTA. Ga. -- Many people on the rundown northwest Atlanta street where Kathryn Johnston lived fortify their windows with metal bars and arm themselves for protection. Johnston, 92, was no exception. She was waiting with her gun on Tuesday night when a group of plainclothes officers with a warrant knocked down her door in a search for drugs, police said. She opened fire, wounding three officers, before being shot to death, police said. Assistant Police Chief Alan Dreher called the killing "tragic and unfortunate" but said the officers were justified in returning fire. "You don't know who's in the house until you open that door," Dreher said Wednesday. "And once they forced open the door, they were immediately fired upon." The Rev. Markel Hutchins, a civil rights activist and spokesman for Johnston's family, said he could understand why the elderly woman would arm herself. "She was afraid," Hutchins said. "This is a horrifying situation in a neighborhood where crime happens often. This incident is a result of a mix-up." The officers had gone to the old woman's house with a search warrant after buying drugs there from a man known only as Sam, police said. Police issued a "John Doe" warrant on Wednesday for the arrest of Sam, believed to be in his early to mid 30s, who allegedly sold the drugs to the undercover agent. Dreher would not say how the dealer knew Johnston. Investigators also said they found drugs in the home after Johnston was killed. Officer Joe Cobb, a police spokesman, said the type of drug involved would not be disclosed until it was verified by the crime lab. District Attorney Paul Howard said that his office is looking into the shooting but that a preliminary review indicates the officers had a right to search the home. Crime and drugs are a part of the landscape in the rough neighborhood where Johnston lived, and her neighbors said they do what it takes to protect themselves. "It's the roughest neighborhood in Georgia," said 56-year-old Allen Pernel, who lives a few blocks from Johnston's home. "If she thought somebody was coming into her house, she did what any of us would have done." Al Harley, a 50-year-old homeless man who hangs out in front of a neighborhood convenience store, said residents follow a sort of credo: "Don't let anyone disrespect your door."The police chief said the officers had identified themselves and then forced open the door of Johnson's house of 17 years. Johnston was alone in her house, police said. Bullets struck Investigator Gary Smith, 38, in the leg and Investigator Cary Bond, 38, in the arm. Investigator Gregg Junnier, 40, was hit in the leg, the face and his bulletproof vest. They were taken to the hospital and are expected to recover. Johnston had no children and her closest relative was a 75-year-old niece, neighbors said. "She hardly came outside her home," said Tameka Walker, 28, who lives behind Johnston's house and used to visit her. "She's not a 92-year-old grouchy old woman you think she was. She's a very nice person." www.pantagraph.com/articles/2006/11/23/news/doc456466c5f1e86283034474.txt
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Post by KC on Jun 13, 2006 21:11:05 GMT -5
Couple sue state trooper for traffic-stop conduct
June 13, 2006 - CHICAGO -- A Wauconda couple forced by an Illinois state trooper to strip to their underwear during a traffic stop sued the former officer Monday in federal court, seeking unspecified damages.
The suit alleges that Jeremy Dozier, 32, of Beach Park drove up behind Maria Boyko and Dimitry Baum while they were parked on the shoulder of Interstate Highway 94 near Northbrook in June 2005 and ordered them to disrobe.
The couple managed to escape and dialed 911. But the dispatcher and her supervisor, also named as defendants in the suit, sent Dozier to meet them at the Lake Forest Oasis, the suit alleges.
Dozier was convicted Jan. 30 of bribery and official misconduct and sentenced to 6 months in Cook County Jail and 30 months of probation. He faces similar charges in Lake County.
Dozier has been suspended without pay from the state police and faces dismissal proceedings, according to Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Lincoln Hampton.
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Post by KC on Jun 13, 2006 21:11:05 GMT -5
Couple sue state trooper for traffic-stop conduct
June 13, 2006 - CHICAGO -- A Wauconda couple forced by an Illinois state trooper to strip to their underwear during a traffic stop sued the former officer Monday in federal court, seeking unspecified damages.
The suit alleges that Jeremy Dozier, 32, of Beach Park drove up behind Maria Boyko and Dimitry Baum while they were parked on the shoulder of Interstate Highway 94 near Northbrook in June 2005 and ordered them to disrobe.
The couple managed to escape and dialed 911. But the dispatcher and her supervisor, also named as defendants in the suit, sent Dozier to meet them at the Lake Forest Oasis, the suit alleges.
Dozier was convicted Jan. 30 of bribery and official misconduct and sentenced to 6 months in Cook County Jail and 30 months of probation. He faces similar charges in Lake County.
Dozier has been suspended without pay from the state police and faces dismissal proceedings, according to Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Lincoln Hampton.
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Post by KC on Feb 7, 2007 23:52:41 GMT -5
Danny Fernandez says he has a problem with authority figures -- and that's why he bashed a police officer in the head with an aluminum baseball bat, then stole his gun and handcuffs, he said in prison Wednesday. "I wasn't looking at the individual," Fernandez said in a visiting room at Rikers Island Jail in Queens. "I was looking at what they represented."The Flushing man, 21, who didn't have a criminal record before he attacked rookie Police Officer Joseph Cho, 32, said, "I was just doing what everybody wishes they could do, but is too scared to."Speaking calmly, Fernandez described a life of desperation set off by a spat with his mom over $16,000 in debt, depression and out-of-control angst against police. Fernandez, charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault, was arrested early Monday by a pair of rookie police officers, one of whom witnessed the attack, prosecutors said. Cho is in stable condition at Elmhurst Hospital Center with a fractured skull and concussion. Wearing a gray prison smock and tan plastic sandals, and with unkempt hair, Fernandez recalled how he wandered the frigid sidewalks of Corona with the aluminum bat stuffed inside his jacket, looking for a police officer. Only once, when Cho was 10 feet away from him, did Fernandez reconsider his plan, he said. "I clammed up," he said. "I thought, 'This is crazy. Most people won't do this.' But I went and did it anyway." While Fernandez stopped short of providing details of the attack, prosecutors said he repeatedly struck Cho in the head with the bat before fleeing with the police officer's 9mm. service handgun. His plan to attack a police officer, along with robbing banks and armored cars, was hatched in part from watching movies and reading newspaper accounts of criminal acts, Fernandez said. He said he had to pay off medical and credit card bills and loans. "I wasn't going to do something small," he said. "I was going to go all the way."Born in Queens, Fernandez described a detached relationship with his mother, a Realtor, and father, a taxicab driver, who divorced several years ago. His mother, who answered the phone at her Flushing home, but didn't give her name, said her son is not a criminal. "He made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes," the mother said. "He is a good little boy. He had a big depression." A U.S. Navy dropout who left on a medical discharge, Fernandez said his ill will toward the police was spurred by a dozen traffic tickets he received in a month and his belief that police unjustly stop and frisk young men.He said he was a sophomore at LaGuardia Community College, where he was studying education, but became disillusioned. In the end, Fernandez said he surrendered to officers Pat Lynch and Christine Schmidt because he didn't want to be killed by police. "I didn't want to give them that," he said. During the interview, Fernandez said he was worried about the impact his actions would have on his brother and sister, whom he didn't name. When prompted by questions about the officer's injuries, Fernandez apologized for what he did to Cho. "I hope I didn't cause irreparable damage so he can get on with his life," Fernandez said. Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, scoffed at Fernandez's apology. "If this thug is truly sorry for attacking Police Officer Cho, then let him plead guilty to assaulting a police officer and take his punishment like a man," Lynch said. Jail policy prohibits reporters from bringing in materials for taking notes. But information for this story was written down immediately after the interview. www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/ny-nyjail0208,0,3934554.story?coll=ny-top-headlines
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Post by KC on Feb 7, 2007 23:52:41 GMT -5
Danny Fernandez says he has a problem with authority figures -- and that's why he bashed a police officer in the head with an aluminum baseball bat, then stole his gun and handcuffs, he said in prison Wednesday. "I wasn't looking at the individual," Fernandez said in a visiting room at Rikers Island Jail in Queens. "I was looking at what they represented."The Flushing man, 21, who didn't have a criminal record before he attacked rookie Police Officer Joseph Cho, 32, said, "I was just doing what everybody wishes they could do, but is too scared to."Speaking calmly, Fernandez described a life of desperation set off by a spat with his mom over $16,000 in debt, depression and out-of-control angst against police. Fernandez, charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault, was arrested early Monday by a pair of rookie police officers, one of whom witnessed the attack, prosecutors said. Cho is in stable condition at Elmhurst Hospital Center with a fractured skull and concussion. Wearing a gray prison smock and tan plastic sandals, and with unkempt hair, Fernandez recalled how he wandered the frigid sidewalks of Corona with the aluminum bat stuffed inside his jacket, looking for a police officer. Only once, when Cho was 10 feet away from him, did Fernandez reconsider his plan, he said. "I clammed up," he said. "I thought, 'This is crazy. Most people won't do this.' But I went and did it anyway." While Fernandez stopped short of providing details of the attack, prosecutors said he repeatedly struck Cho in the head with the bat before fleeing with the police officer's 9mm. service handgun. His plan to attack a police officer, along with robbing banks and armored cars, was hatched in part from watching movies and reading newspaper accounts of criminal acts, Fernandez said. He said he had to pay off medical and credit card bills and loans. "I wasn't going to do something small," he said. "I was going to go all the way."Born in Queens, Fernandez described a detached relationship with his mother, a Realtor, and father, a taxicab driver, who divorced several years ago. His mother, who answered the phone at her Flushing home, but didn't give her name, said her son is not a criminal. "He made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes," the mother said. "He is a good little boy. He had a big depression." A U.S. Navy dropout who left on a medical discharge, Fernandez said his ill will toward the police was spurred by a dozen traffic tickets he received in a month and his belief that police unjustly stop and frisk young men.He said he was a sophomore at LaGuardia Community College, where he was studying education, but became disillusioned. In the end, Fernandez said he surrendered to officers Pat Lynch and Christine Schmidt because he didn't want to be killed by police. "I didn't want to give them that," he said. During the interview, Fernandez said he was worried about the impact his actions would have on his brother and sister, whom he didn't name. When prompted by questions about the officer's injuries, Fernandez apologized for what he did to Cho. "I hope I didn't cause irreparable damage so he can get on with his life," Fernandez said. Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, scoffed at Fernandez's apology. "If this thug is truly sorry for attacking Police Officer Cho, then let him plead guilty to assaulting a police officer and take his punishment like a man," Lynch said. Jail policy prohibits reporters from bringing in materials for taking notes. But information for this story was written down immediately after the interview. www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/ny-nyjail0208,0,3934554.story?coll=ny-top-headlines
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Post by KC on Jan 28, 2007 18:36:09 GMT -5
PENSACOLA, FL. - A teenager who sued the city after claiming a police officer forced her to do jumping jacks while topless has reached a $35,000 settlement, officials said.
The City Council unanimously approved the settlement Thursday, City Manager Tom Bonfield said.
Officer Shawn Patrick Shields found the girl, then 16, and a 19-year-old man together in a parked car in April 2003. Shields ordered the two teens out of the car, then told them he could arrest them for lewd and lascivious behavior, authorities said.
The girl told investigators that Shields told her to perform five topless jumping jacks, which she said she did as he shone his flashlight on her.
Both teenagers passed polygraph tests.
Shields was later fired and pleaded no contest to extortion. He was placed on probation for two years in December 2003 and ordered to write a letter of apology to the girl.
The name of the girl's attorney was not immediately known.
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Post by KC on Jan 28, 2007 18:36:09 GMT -5
PENSACOLA, FL. - A teenager who sued the city after claiming a police officer forced her to do jumping jacks while topless has reached a $35,000 settlement, officials said.
The City Council unanimously approved the settlement Thursday, City Manager Tom Bonfield said.
Officer Shawn Patrick Shields found the girl, then 16, and a 19-year-old man together in a parked car in April 2003. Shields ordered the two teens out of the car, then told them he could arrest them for lewd and lascivious behavior, authorities said.
The girl told investigators that Shields told her to perform five topless jumping jacks, which she said she did as he shone his flashlight on her.
Both teenagers passed polygraph tests.
Shields was later fired and pleaded no contest to extortion. He was placed on probation for two years in December 2003 and ordered to write a letter of apology to the girl.
The name of the girl's attorney was not immediately known.
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Post by KC on Feb 24, 2007 20:48:20 GMT -5
Either Officer Campbell or Officer Buttry beat an object against the stain glass window of plaintiff’s front door, and broke the glass while shouting, 'Here’s my badge, now open the door!' Oh yeah? Well here's my gun, did you hug and kiss your family goodbye today? ;D
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Post by KC on Feb 24, 2007 20:48:20 GMT -5
Either Officer Campbell or Officer Buttry beat an object against the stain glass window of plaintiff’s front door, and broke the glass while shouting, 'Here’s my badge, now open the door!' Oh yeah? Well here's my gun, did you hug and kiss your family goodbye today? ;D
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Post by KC on Feb 24, 2007 20:44:00 GMT -5
A woman who said she was humiliated by city police officers seeking to arrest her son for DUI at her home has filed a $40 million Federal Court lawsuit. Patricia Turner Arbuckle sued the city, Officers Thomas Buttry and William S. Campbell and two unidentified officers. The suit, filed by attorney Robin Flores, said a citizen, Lee Blake, told police on March 13, 2006, at 3 a.m. that he was observing a person erratically driving a pickup truck on I-24. He said the vehicle had hit a mailbox and a guardrail. He followed the pickup to 3622 Conner St. - the Arbuckle residence. Officers said the pickup was registered to Benjamin Arbuckle, Ms. Arbuckle's son, who lived in a separate apartment at the residence. The suit says Officers Campbell and Buttry rang the upstairs front doorbell of the residence and Ms. Arbucke awoke and approached the front door. It says she demanded to know who was at the door, and either Officer Campbell or Officer Buttry yelled, “open the door!” The suit says Ms. Arbuckle again demanded for those at the door to identify themselves, and "they only yelled in response for plaintiff to open the door or that they would kick the door down." It says she "again demanded for Campbell and Buttry to identify themselves and either Campbell or Buttry yelled they were the police and for plaintiff to open the door." The suit says Ms. Arbuckle "demanded for Campbell and Buttry to show them a badge, and either Campbell or Buttry yelled they were going to kick down the door. Plaintiff could only see a hand holding a gun at the stain glass window of her front door. "Plaintiff ran to her kitchen and began to call 911, but the call did not go through to the operators, and plaintiff believes this was a dropped call. "Either Campbell or Buttry beat an object against the stain glass window of plaintiff’s front door, and broke the glass while shouting, 'Here’s my badge, now open the door!' "As a direct result of the conduct of Campbell and Buttry, the plaintiff’s house alarm went off. "At no time during this incident did any defendant officer obtain a warrant to search or enter the residence. At no time during this incident did any defendant officer have probable cause to believe that a felony had been committed in any fashion to require a warrantless entry into the residence. At no time during this incident did the officers engage in a “hot pursuit’ of anyone into the residence. "Plaintiff opened the door, and Campbell and Buttry pushed the door open and pointed their guns at plaintiff. "Campbell and Buttry demanded to know the whereabouts of her son while pointing their guns at her. Once her son opened the door, one of the officers jerked the son by his shoulders and threw him against the pickup with unnecessary force. "Campbell and Buttry continued to pound her son against the pickup in the plaintiff’s full view and while her son was handcuffed. "Plaintiff asked one of the officers, she believes Campbell or Buttry, why they were arresting her son and acting in the manner that they acted. The response from the officers was that Blake was a plain clothes policeman who saw her son hit a mailbox. Blake is not a law enforcement officer nor was he acting as a law enforcement officer during this incident." The suit says Benjamin Arbuckle was charged with DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, and implied consent law violation. It says General Sessions Court Judge Richard Holcomb dismissed the cases on Aug. 24, 2006, upon motion of the district attorney. The suit says, "Plaintiff had not physically assaulted nor resisted the officers in any manner, and the officers’ force was unnecessary to affect the search of her home for her son, was unreasonable, and was excessive, and constituted an unlawful and unreasonable seizure of the plaintiff. "None of these defendants nor the city have compensated plaintiff for her damages to the stain glass window." It says, "At no time did any of the individual defendants come to the aid of plaintiff in any manner, nor render any aid to the plaintiff in any manner, nor report the misconduct of Campbell and Buttry. Campbell and Buttry had no probable cause to seize plaintiff in any manner whatsoever." The suit asks $15 million compensatory damages and $25 million punitive damages. www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070224/NEWS01/702240402/1005
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Post by KC on Feb 24, 2007 20:44:00 GMT -5
A woman who said she was humiliated by city police officers seeking to arrest her son for DUI at her home has filed a $40 million Federal Court lawsuit. Patricia Turner Arbuckle sued the city, Officers Thomas Buttry and William S. Campbell and two unidentified officers. The suit, filed by attorney Robin Flores, said a citizen, Lee Blake, told police on March 13, 2006, at 3 a.m. that he was observing a person erratically driving a pickup truck on I-24. He said the vehicle had hit a mailbox and a guardrail. He followed the pickup to 3622 Conner St. - the Arbuckle residence. Officers said the pickup was registered to Benjamin Arbuckle, Ms. Arbuckle's son, who lived in a separate apartment at the residence. The suit says Officers Campbell and Buttry rang the upstairs front doorbell of the residence and Ms. Arbucke awoke and approached the front door. It says she demanded to know who was at the door, and either Officer Campbell or Officer Buttry yelled, “open the door!” The suit says Ms. Arbuckle again demanded for those at the door to identify themselves, and "they only yelled in response for plaintiff to open the door or that they would kick the door down." It says she "again demanded for Campbell and Buttry to identify themselves and either Campbell or Buttry yelled they were the police and for plaintiff to open the door." The suit says Ms. Arbuckle "demanded for Campbell and Buttry to show them a badge, and either Campbell or Buttry yelled they were going to kick down the door. Plaintiff could only see a hand holding a gun at the stain glass window of her front door. "Plaintiff ran to her kitchen and began to call 911, but the call did not go through to the operators, and plaintiff believes this was a dropped call. "Either Campbell or Buttry beat an object against the stain glass window of plaintiff’s front door, and broke the glass while shouting, 'Here’s my badge, now open the door!' "As a direct result of the conduct of Campbell and Buttry, the plaintiff’s house alarm went off. "At no time during this incident did any defendant officer obtain a warrant to search or enter the residence. At no time during this incident did any defendant officer have probable cause to believe that a felony had been committed in any fashion to require a warrantless entry into the residence. At no time during this incident did the officers engage in a “hot pursuit’ of anyone into the residence. "Plaintiff opened the door, and Campbell and Buttry pushed the door open and pointed their guns at plaintiff. "Campbell and Buttry demanded to know the whereabouts of her son while pointing their guns at her. Once her son opened the door, one of the officers jerked the son by his shoulders and threw him against the pickup with unnecessary force. "Campbell and Buttry continued to pound her son against the pickup in the plaintiff’s full view and while her son was handcuffed. "Plaintiff asked one of the officers, she believes Campbell or Buttry, why they were arresting her son and acting in the manner that they acted. The response from the officers was that Blake was a plain clothes policeman who saw her son hit a mailbox. Blake is not a law enforcement officer nor was he acting as a law enforcement officer during this incident." The suit says Benjamin Arbuckle was charged with DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, and implied consent law violation. It says General Sessions Court Judge Richard Holcomb dismissed the cases on Aug. 24, 2006, upon motion of the district attorney. The suit says, "Plaintiff had not physically assaulted nor resisted the officers in any manner, and the officers’ force was unnecessary to affect the search of her home for her son, was unreasonable, and was excessive, and constituted an unlawful and unreasonable seizure of the plaintiff. "None of these defendants nor the city have compensated plaintiff for her damages to the stain glass window." It says, "At no time did any of the individual defendants come to the aid of plaintiff in any manner, nor render any aid to the plaintiff in any manner, nor report the misconduct of Campbell and Buttry. Campbell and Buttry had no probable cause to seize plaintiff in any manner whatsoever." The suit asks $15 million compensatory damages and $25 million punitive damages. www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070224/NEWS01/702240402/1005
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