Family gets $333,000 for 2009 raid in which cops killed dog

[The Straight Story]

Family gets $333,000 for 2009 raid in which cops killed dog

A federal jury awarded $333,000 to a Chicago family Thursday after Chicago police officers raided its South Side home with guns drawn and shot its dog in a search that found no criminal activity in the apartment.

Teenage brothers Thomas and Darren Russell were in their second-floor apartment in the 9200 block of South Justine Street in February 2009 when officers announced they had a warrant to search both units of the two-flat. Thomas Russell, then 18, opened the door and found officers with their guns drawn, according to the lawsuit. Russell said that he put his hands in the air and asked permission to lock up his 9-year-old black Labrador, Lady, before they entered.

Police refused the request and came into the house, the lawsuit said. When Lady came loping around the corner with her tail wagging, Officer Richard Antonsen shot the dog, according to the suit, which alleged excessive force, false arrest and illegal seizure for taking the dog's life.

Thomas Russell was arrested and charged with obstructing police but was later found not guilty. No drugs were found in the Russell family's apartment, though police recovered drugs in the building's other unit, the family's lawyers said.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-08-19/news/ct-met-police-shoot-dog-20110819_1_family-dog-damages-officers

[hlthe2b]

1. This story is just wrenching for me...

I'm glad they prevailed, but that money would bring no peace to me if I had to stand by and see the police brutally kill one of my beloved furry babes. I hope that sweet dog has somehow found his way to a realm where my own long lost pets might join up and play together.

[Dawson Leery]

2. For the cops in question in this story, they deserve NO sympathy

when their time comes.

[Uncle Joe]

3. Good, I hope these people in Missouri can get some restitution as well.

On a thread by marmar.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8280701

Cops Shoot Child’s Dog 7 Times After Finding Marijuana In Family Home

Thanks for the thread, The Straight Story.