Home raid leads to complaint
Police had warrant; dog shot in search
By Mike Santa Rita
msantarita@patuxent.com
Posted 2/06/09
(Enlarge) Elkridge resident Mike Hasenei has filed a complaint with the Howard County Police Department about a police raid of his home three weeks ago. During the raid, which resulted in no arrests, police shot Hasenei's dog and frightened his 12-year-old daughter, he said. (Staff photo by Alex Stawinski)
Hasenei, 39, of the 6600 block of Deep Run Parkway, Elkridge, said he was sleeping shortly after 9 p.m. Jan. 15 when a police tactical team kicked in the door to his house.
He woke up and walked into his living room to find it swarming with officers, he said. When he asked what was going on, he was ordered to get on the ground, and when he asked again, he said, he was knocked to the ground and told he was under arrest.
Police then searched his house, looking for items stolen from two marked police cars that were reported broken into on Jan. 14 in the Elkridge community of Mayfield, according to Hasenei, who said he works as a computer analyst at Marriott International.
During the raid, Hasenei said, police shot his Australian cattle dog, in his bedroom.
Earlier that night, police also raided the nearby house of his stepson, Michael Leon Smith Jr., and turned up nothing, Hasenei said.
Police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn confirmed the raid on Hasenei's house, noting that police had a search warrant signed by a judge.
Llewellyn would not confirm whether the raid was related to the items stolen from police vehicles on Jan. 14, citing an ongoing investigation.
No one was arrested in the raid, she said, and no arrests have been made relating to the thefts from the police cars, which she said police are still investigating.
Llewellyn confirmed the dog shooting, but said the dog charged police, forcing them to shoot it.
Police suspected guns
Llewellyn said police had reason to believe a gun was in the residence, which was why they did not knock.
A copy of the warrant provided by Hasenei listed items to be seized, including a Sig Sauer Rifle and three ammunition magazines for the rifle, as well as a police gear bag, county police field procedures manual and guide, and more police-related items.
Llewellyn added that when police have reason to believe there might be firearms in a residence, they take precautions to ensure the safety of the officers and anyone inside the house.
"This often includes the use of the tactical team, which is specially trained to deal with potentially dangerous situations," she said.
Llewellyn confirmed Hasenei filed a complaint about the incident with the Howard County Police Department and that police are investigating.
She said no officers had been placed on any kind of administrative duty following the complaint.
She declined to comment on whether any items were seized in the raid on Hasenei's house, citing an ongoing investigation.
House damaged
At Hasenei's house last week, the door to his daughter's room was off its hinges -- a result of the police raid, he said -- and Hasenei's hand was wrapped in a bandage because, he said, it was sprained when policed cuffed his hands too tightly.
"They looked through everything," Hasenei said of the raid. "They didn't find a single thing. I knew they wouldn't because we don't commit crimes."
What appeared to be a bullet hole was visible in a mattress in his bedroom, where, Hasenei said, police shot his dog, and a bloody sheet was stored in the front deck of his home.
"They shot three times. Two hit the dog, one hit the bed," he said.
When police raided his house, Hasenei said, they produced a search warrant relating to Hasenei's stepson. But Hasenei said Smith has not lived at the address for years.
Smith, 20, also of Deep Run Parkway, said police also raided his house that night, but did not find anything. He said police also pushed him to the ground during the raid.
"I stay in my house and keep to myself," Smith said.
Smith said he does not have a driver's license.
He said his state-issued identity card, however, lists his stepfather's address as his home.
Llewellyn declined to comment on any raid on Smith's house, saying only that multiple warrants had been served that night.
Hasenei said he has contacted a lawyer and plans to file a lawsuit. His lawyer did not return a call seeking comment.
Police Chief William McMahon, through Llewellyn, declined to comment on the raid.
user comments (84)
user thack says...
The cops are never wrong. They couldn't even admit to making a mistake when they knocked down the door of the mayor of Berwyn Heights and shot his two dogs. Why are there so many 'no-knock' warrants given out? Why are SWAT teams kicking in so many doors? I don't find it justifiable. The police always find a justification for it. Orwell got his timeline wrong.
Posted 10:44 AM, 02.05.09
user waitingforanswers says...
It's a disgrace the police see killing dogs as SOP when they execute a warrant. If there is a registered dog on the property, the police need to carry a tranq gun. As the previous user commented, the mayor of Berwyn Heights had both of his dogs shot when he had done no wrong. When did our society decide dogs were disposable items? The Shoot-First, Ask Questions Later mentality may save the police from some ugly confrontations, but at what cost to the law abiding citizens? Where is the magical number at which we as a society are willing to say too many innocent lives have been ruined and too many innocent animals killed?
Posted 11:06 AM, 02.05.09
user andyandy says...
This sort of behavior by police is incompatible with a free society. Also, australian cattle dogs don't exactly have a reputation as vicious killers. Maybe, just maybe, the tough guys on the "tactical team" need to learn that a 200lb man can deal with a 30 pound dog without shooting it.
Posted 11:43 AM, 02.05.09
user ap786 says...
This disgusts me. The police involved in the raid deserve to be terminiated immediately. Then they should rot in hell. Absolutely apalling.
Posted 12:01 PM, 02.05.09
user taxedtodeathinmd says...
SUE THE BASTARDS !!! As an ex-police officer and a dog lover I can tell you that the killing of a dog during a raid is usually avoidable. If the idiots whoops I mean these cops did their homework they would know a dog would be there. They then should bring animal control or another means to control the animal. I participated in numerous raids when I was working an never had anyone have to shoot or kill an animal. This group sounds like a bunch of hotdogs who need to be sued to teach them a lesson. Also contact PETA to get them on this bunch.
Posted 12:15 PM, 02.05.09
user milton says...
What is County Executive Ken Ulman and Howard County Chief McMahon going to do about this? Do they support these types of Gestapo police tactics? That coward McMahon declined to comment for this article. He better comment on this matter, in fact he better start singing that heads are going to roll in the police department for this.
Posted 12:20 PM, 02.05.09
user whatthe says...
Where do I even start.....you ppl are idiots! first do yo realy think judges just give out warrants i'd bet it may be hard to get a no-knock warrant being as we do in fact live in a free society! A tranq gun? are you kidding!? 200 lb guy vs dog? is said dog up on shots? if not 200 lb man vs rabbies or other virus! Terminated? That is just dumb.... Ex-police officer not retired? what were you fired for cuz it is just obvious you have a bad taste in you mouth? What is the Cty Ex going to do? nothing not his dept it is McMahon's and as a semmingly capable leader i'm sure he'll do what is right and not what the (obvious far left) want! The fact that you can post your absurd comments is a testament to the free society we live in! None of you were there at that raid and you have NO idead what they did or did not know! To any officer that reads this..thank you for making it possible for me to sleep safely everynight! Wow HOCO is going the way of MOCO with the liberal agenda huh?
Posted 1:31 PM, 02.05.09
user waitingforanswers says...
Whattthe - your comments may be warranted when there is a dog attacking the police, but that was not the case in this situation, or in the one for the Mayor of Berwyn Heights. I know it that situation they did not have a 'no-knock' warrant, but chased down two black labs and shot them in the head, one when it had its back turned and was attempting to hide under a bed. Some dogs are vicious, but in these cases they were not, and instead of trying to control the situation peacefully, all three dogs were shot and killed. And all three could have been avoided. Sadly, it seems like you are in the shoot first, ask questions later crowd. Which sounds like a good idea, until you are the innocent person targeted.
Posted 2:06 PM, 02.05.09
user hutch says...
You folks are living in a dream world filled with morons. Cops just dont go out and get warrants without having probable cause and a signature from a judge. Like Animal control has a guy who is ready to be on an entry team. I cant believe what I am reading. Ex-cop means you must have been fired for something...maybe like suggesting animal control be part of a highly trainined SWAT team. Moron. Yes, please call PETA and tell them that there were a bunch of cops out there doing their job, protecting thos who live in this free society.
Posted 2:13 PM, 02.05.09
user waitingforanswers says...
The police have our respect. I think you are confusing these instances of inhumane cruelty with the police at large. I for one have nothing but respect for the police, and at the same time it's society's job to tell them when they've stepped over the line. What do you tell Mayor Cheye Calvo and his wife Trinity. Who had their front door busted down on a regular warrant, both dogs shot, all because a package was delivered to the house. How many times have you brought in a package addressed to someone else in the house? Would you feel happy if the police busted down your door, shot an animal or two, and then left? Look at the facts people, these are not criminals these events are happening to.
Posted 2:21 PM, 02.05.09
user erinjd says...
I have lived in Howard County for most of the past 40 years and had 4 members of my family in uniform with the HCPD. They have LONG been out of control. This man definitely needs to sue them. The point that one reader made --that the police need to check if there is a dog is right on the money, especially since the police department runs the county Animal Control, so there is no excuse for their failure to do so. I could tell you stories that would make your head spin about their bad behavior, including the lengths they go to to protect their own when it comes to criminal conduct--even when the individual is no longer on the police force. For those of you who think that this stuff cannot possible happen, I hope you are never personally disabused of your views.
Posted 2:42 PM, 02.05.09
user justthefacts says...
No-knock warrants are not issued by judges in MD. The police serving the warrant make the call at the scene whether to knock. People shouldn't blab about something when they have no clue what they are talking about. see generally State v. Carroll, 383 Md 438 (2004) and Davis v. State, 383 Md 394 (2004).
Posted 3:05 PM, 02.05.09
user thack says...
Nothing was found at the scene of the latest 'no-knock/dog shoot' fiasco. Covering all police with blanket excuses because they are police gets us nowhere. There are too many warrants served by SWAT teams. It used to be a much rarer thing, but times have changed and although there aren't enough shootouts at warrant servings to justify the military style invasions by police, there will always be a certain group who look the other way because of ideology or a simple view that cops never err.
Posted 3:11 PM, 02.05.09
user thack says...
Judges in Maryland can certainly issue 'no-knock' warrants. State v. Carroll states that a standard warrant can become a 'no-knock' if circumstances at the scene warrant that. There were no such circumstances at this gentleman's home. Yes, know what you are talking about before you speak.
Posted 3:29 PM, 02.05.09
user sicotic says...
My old toy poodle is very sick. To save a few bucks, should I call Howard County SWAT to have the dog put out of its' misery instead of taking it to the local vets to have it put to sleep?
Posted 3:43 PM, 02.05.09
user justthefacts says...
thack: Read carefully...JUDGES CANNOT ISSUE NO KNOCK WARRANTS IN MD. They issue a standard warrant, and like you said, "a standard warrant can become a 'no-knock' if circumstances at the scene warrant that." The judge isn't at the scene, so he/she cannot make the type of determination that Carroll allows. Just like I said b/f, the cops make the determination to enter w/o knocking, and a judge cannot issue a no knock warrant. I do know what I am talking about. I am a member of the MD Bar, and have forgotten more about MD law than you will ever know. Again, try reading b/f blabbing: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4183/is_20041022/ai_n10064122 "Judges and magistrates in Maryland lack the authority to issue no- knock warrants, the state's highest court held yesterday. Instead, police officers must decide on the scene whether the factors present at that time justify executing a warrant without knocking first, the Court of Appeals said in two unanimous opinions resolving three cases."
Posted 3:52 PM, 02.05.09
user sicotic says...
My old toy poodle is very sick. To save a few bucks, should I call Howard County SWAT to have the dog put out of its' misery instead of taking it to the local vets to have it put to sleep?
Posted 3:53 PM, 02.05.09
user thack says...
This is from the opinion in Maryland vs Carroll. Notwithstanding that there had been no request for a "no-knock" warrant, and, thus, the warrant did not authorize entry without knocking and announcing, Sergeant Bender concluded that knocking and announcing before entry potentially would expose the officers to the danger of significant harm. This conclusion was based on the respondent's criminal background, his known association with an individual [*6] with a history of violent crime, Sergeant Bender's experience in executing between five and six hundred search warrants and consultations with his Captain, the affiant's Captain and the Howard County State's Attorney. It seems that the judiciary of Maryland is well aware of 'no-knock' warrants.
Posted 3:57 PM, 02.05.09
user sicotic says...
My old toy poodle is very sick. To save a few bucks, should I call Howard County SWAT to have the dog put out of its' misery instead of taking it to the local vets to have it put to sleep?
Posted 3:58 PM, 02.05.09
user justthefacts says...
thack: this is the holding from the Davis case, seems pretty clear to me. "We hold that a judicial officer in Maryland, under current Maryland law, may not issue a 'no-knock' warrant. Rather, the propriety of a “no-knock†entry will be reviewed and determined on the basis of the facts known to the officers at the time of entry, rather than at the time of the application for the warrant."
Posted 3:59 PM, 02.05.09
user sicotic says...
My old toy poodle is very sick. To save a few bucks, should I call Howard County SWAT to have the dog put out of its' misery instead of taking it to the local vets to have it put to sleep?
Posted 4:03 PM, 02.05.09
user justthefacts says...
The judiciary is aware of no-knock warrants. That is why it decided to take these cases. You see, my ignorant friend, the Court of Appeals in MD only hears a case if it wants to. In this instance, it wanted to hear these cases so it could declare once and for all that no-knock warrants can exist, but must be based on info obtained on the scene. A judge cannot issue a no-knock warrant.
Posted 4:04 PM, 02.05.09
user thack says...
All you legal eagles should keep up with legislation in the state of Maryland. This is from House Bill 577, enacted in 2005. Department of Legislative Services Maryland General Assembly 2005 Session FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE House Bill 577 (Delegate Anderson, et al.) Judiciary Judicial Proceedings Criminal Procedure - "No-Knock" Warrants - Authority This bill authorizes a law enforcement officer to request, via the application for a search warrant, to enter a building, apartment, premises, place, or thing to be searched without giving notice of the officer’s authority or purpose. The officer must have a reasonable suspicion that, without the authorization, the property subject to search or seizure may be destroyed, disposed of, or secreted or the life or safety of the executing officer or another person may be in danger. The warrant shall authorize the executing law enforcement officer to enter the building, apartment, premises, place, or thing to be searched without giving notice of the officer’s authority or purpose. http://mlis.state.md.us/2005rs/fnotes/bil_0007/hb0577.pdf
Posted 4:11 PM, 02.05.09
user givemeabreak says...
You are an idiot thack. The guy isn't saying that no-knock warrants don't exist, or that the judiciary isn't aware of them. He is just educating people on the fact that judges can't issue those types of warrants in maryland. You can't read very well, can you?
Posted 4:12 PM, 02.05.09
user thack says...
I read very well, and it's obvious that the legislature enacted a law on them. One respondent claimed he's a lawyer and knows they don't exist and are illegal in Maryland. He's wrong. I understand that circumstances at the scene could make a 'no knock' entry a necessity. I also don't put much stock in anything said by people who call me an idiot. Your mother might have carried you in her butt the whole nine months, but I wouldn't bring that up in a thread about warrants.
Posted 4:23 PM, 02.05.09
user thack says...
The courts didn't have the opinion that all "no-knock" warrants have to be decided at the scene. Here's more for you to read. Bell wrote that, under Maryland law, judges didn't have the authority to issue no-knock warrants, which they have been doing for years. Rather, the propriety of a no-knock entry will be reviewed and determined on the basis of the facts known to the officers at the time of entry, the court concluded. But, as Capt. Robin F. Dewberry, head of Baltimore County Police Department's vice and narcotics sections told legislators, officers prefer the old system. I see this bill as a win-win situation for the citizens of the state as well as law enforcement, he said of the bill. Authorizing a judge to issue no-knock warrants would give an extra layer of protection to citizens whose homes could be raided, while also protecting police officers from potentially causing irretrievable harm to a case by failing to knock without justification, he added. There was no testimony against the bill at yesterday's hearing, and none submitted in advance. Under questioning from Del. Robert A. Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, Dewberry claimed police departments would not simply seek no-knock warrants on every occasion. He pointed to statistics from the year before the Court of Appeals decision, a period during which his department sought only 11 no-knock warrants out of a total of 266. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4183/is_20050224/ai_n11054564
Posted 4:26 PM, 02.05.09
user says...
I know all about House Bill 577. While it does give a mechanism to issue no-knock warrants, judges still are not allowed to issue them in MD b/c of the way the courts treat them upon judicial review. The case law I detailed above is still good law. "Police officers are sometimes allowed to search without knocking, but courts have ruled they can do so only if there are specific circumstances at the time of the search that lead officers to conclude evidence might be destroyed or law enforcement could be endangered, said lawyer William C. Brennan, who is not involved with the case." I do understand that you won't believe me regardless, but the Washington Post usually gets attorneys who know what they are talking about to provide quotes. This was from the story about the mayor in PG county who's house was raided last year. The bill was enacted in 2005, so why is this attorney saying this in 2008? B/c, one more time...judges do not issue no-knock warrants in MD. And here is another quote from Maj. Mark Magaw, commander of PG county's narcotics division discussing the raid on the mayor's house, "Magaw said there was no such thing as a no-knock warrant and denied telling public information officers that one exists."
Posted 5:04 PM, 02.05.09
user justthefacts says...
nope, didn't go anywhere. just had to do some work.
Posted 5:05 PM, 02.05.09
user justthefacts says...
"But Prince George's County Police Department spokeswoman Sharon Taylor said legal counsel had informed her that 'no-knock' warrants do not exist in Maryland." http://twincitiescarry.com/forum/viewtopic.phpp=136193&sid=b499f2fa266de352c0960545d1b293ff
Posted 5:41 PM, 02.05.09
user taxedtodeathinmd says...
Well I see I got all the cops In Howard County to come out of hiding. All the big brave dog killers I hope. Attack the messenger but not the message. First all, ex-police in this case means retired with over 32 years of service, including Chief and Assistant Chief of two departments, and numerous commendations. Second I do not mean to slander all police, there are many good ones out there. But this operation appears to be a screw up in the biggest way. Did they make any arrest, did they recover any of the stolen goods, NO according to the press reports. They say you can get a Grand Jury to indict a Ham Sandwich, well you can, and you can get a judge to sign a warrant for a ham sandwich if you write the right "story" in the application. Now how about some of you big brave dog killers only tell how your life was threatened by a 30 lb dog and it took three shots to neutralize the target. Maybe some of you can sleep tight at night with the police patrolling but how about the renegade ones or at least very sloppy ones that could come breaking in your door one night and shooting your dog or you or maybe threatening 6 year old. No matter how you cut it there should be an investigation in to this fiasco. But if someone can explain how with all the armor they should have been wearing, the many tools including capture nets, dog poles and shields available why they had to shoot the animal I would like to hear it.
Posted 9:32 PM, 02.05.09
user taxedtodeathinmd says...
To all the people think you have to kill dogs instead of controlling them here are some websites where you can get the tools and one about an animal control officer that uses biscuits instead of guns, SWAT Commanders take note. http://www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=NWS001&Product_Code=NWS0901&Category_Code=NWS0900 http://animal-traps.com/nets.html http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/267737_gcenter24.html http://www.tbotech.com/dogrepellent.htm
Posted 10:24 PM, 02.05.09
user says...
You should all know what a no knock clause is and yes it can be issued by a judge in a warrant do some research I did. A warrant can be issued on hear say as well. The number of no knock warrants has grown at an alarming rate since 2000. In this case the warrant was changed after the judge issued it. That is clear voliation of the 4th admendment . The british used to do the same thing back in the 1700's. The bottom line is I have family in law enforcement and have no problem with the police but the way it was done was sloppy I hope this never happens to any one out there but it does. I have lived in howard county for years it has a very good police dept. There more to this story and I intend to get to the bottom of it. I hope the police find who commited the crimes of the police cars but it would only take any one with a laptop 30 mins total to do a backround check and gather enough information on who lives at the address and are they a threat. The other questions that still have not been answered in this case. The day of the crimes why was there a person named brian with his friends asking questions to my step son about the two police cars he is not police. I have found out he is friends with one of the detectives on this case and the one who had his name on the warrant. It also is clear that this person brian want's to be a police officer very bad that he would start going around asking questions. My step son could not have done this crime there is no way and that can be proved. The person or persons who broke into the police cars new what they were doing. My step son has disabilities. Plus if he did do it and I had any information about this he would be in jail right now because I would have turned him in myself.
Posted 2:43 AM, 02.06.09
user says...
The police moved very fast on this issue I understand why they did and hope they find who did it. But when my rights and family are just tossed aside that is wrong and I must stand up for what is right. The bad thing is the door was unlocked the dogs ran away from the swat members. My wife is cleared by the FBI to work with special kids we both do not have criminal backrounds. One of my family members is high ranking member of the state police and another in the FBI. A little investigation on who lives at the address would have been nice they could have knocked and come in searched the house and any other thing no problem at all take as long as you need like I said you are not going to find anything because we did nothing wrong. Now if I had a dollar for every time someone tells a story that is not all true or is just false I would be rich who ever told the police the stuff was at my house I will see you in court. You will have a lot to answer for in the end.
Posted 3:28 AM, 02.06.09
user independent says...
At the core of this is whether or not we want to allow the potential for these devastating mistakes to protect law enforcement, or if law enforcement has become the miscreant for law abiding citizens. Instead of being more comfortable thinking that I'm safe, this situation actually does the opposite and under current rules and procedures makes me less safe, less secure, less free. The response by police confirms there will be more of these reckless mistakes. Someone with influence and a penchant for individual rights could make a difference by supporting a change. We have a law in the legislature now that would ban all dog clubs from owning > 40 dogs (breedable), but they allow dogs to be shot in your home though you've broken no laws. PETA is worse than useless. They actually harm the 'constituency' they claim to protect.
Posted 8:27 AM, 02.06.09
user agclvp says...
Botched police raids and excessive use of force are more common than most citizens believe. For more information, visit the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore's Legislative Email Archive and click on the "Spotlight on Law Enforcement" issue. The archive link is at the bottom of the legislative page: http://www.associatedgunclubs.org/legislative/legislative.html Please feel free to explore our website. For comments to the AGC Legislative Vice President email: lvp@associatedgunclubs.org The Maryland General Assembly is currently considering legislation to monitor the activities police SWAT type units. The bill number is Senate Bill 447. The bill can be found at this address: http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/billfile/sb0447.htm Government is like fire, kept small and under control it can provide some warmth and security. If the goverment is allowed to become too large, it gets out of control and becomes a threat your life, property and freedom. J H Josselyn AGC LVP
Posted 8:53 AM, 02.06.09
user doe1997 says...
Ok, you are all clueless and obviously have zippy idea about police work. It is very easy to be a Monday morning quarterback. I am CURRENTLY a police officer in another county and I see many wrong points made by too many people who have no idea at all what they're talking about. There is no way on earth you can have someone from "Animal Control," who AREN'T police officers, do a tactical entry on a search warrant. Second, Animal control is NOT run by the police, it is a local county organization. AND half the time if we called them out, they wouldn't even respond. They're guidelines are that the dog or animal would already have to be confined before they'll even respond, and usually they're response time is at least hour or more. Further, clueless person, a judge is the ONLY person who can sign off on a warrant and yes they do have to find probable cause to issue the warrant. A no-knock warrant is presented to the judge and they have to sign off on that. It is not a police after the fact decision. Also, you have no clue what they knew or didn't know before entering that house. Obviously there was a possibility of some serious weapons, and I know most of you who sit behind cushy desks all day in your little cubicle wouldn't understand this, but people will shoot at us and ask questions later. So, I have no plans on giving my life for a job. Those are things you all wouldn't understand that we face EVERY single day! I guess the most danger you would have is hitting your knee on your desk. Lastly, a tranquilizer gun?? Sorry but we aren't issued those thank you very much and have never used them. You can't speak for a dog. I have seen the cutest little dogs react to men and woman in uniform in ways they never would. Again, I am an animal lover, but if it comes down to a dog coming after me to bite me, I'm not gonna just stand there and take it. Thank goodness I haven't had a charging dog, though I can say I've had the cutest little dogs run up and bite me AFTER I'm walking away LEAVING the house and it's just me there. It's a stranger in a uniform coming into their home. More importantly, you never know what the dog has and I'm certainly not going to the hospital or getting dismembered/disfigured. You all weren't there. You can't make opinions on what should have been done etc..You don't know all the facts beforehand or even after. This is not a subject you should be commenting on, especially if you have no idea about police work and aren't an officer. So go back to reading your little paper or checking your email at your desk while myself and my fellow co-workers pray we come home and make it through another day unharmed. Enjoy your "free society" on us!
Posted 9:57 AM, 02.06.09
user mattsafari says...
It is unbelievable that this sort of tactic is used in Howard County, much less the US. I realize that HCPD look bad for having equipment and weapons stolen from a parked vehicle but violent search and seizure is NOT the way to solve a burgulary case. Contact your local official and/or politician to let them know how you feel.
Posted 10:56 AM, 02.06.09
user bignbad48 says...
userdoe1997.God,I hope you're not a cop in the county I live in.I was a mail carrier for years and guarantee you I faced more dogs delivering mail and parcels then you ever have,and guess what,I never had to shoot a single one of them.And yes,I got bit twice,and both of them were cute little doggies,one a poodle and one a weiner dog,lol,and they bit me as I was leaving the premises.There is no justification for this act,none whatsoever,just another good old boy sticking up for his buddies.As a legal gun owning law abiding citizen who sleeps with his gun under his pillow,I'm much more likely to shoot somebody breaking down my door,then somebody knocking on it.I know quite a few cops,it used to be the bad ones were in the minority,but these days I'm starting to wonder.We're headed closer and closer to an Orwellian police state and if things don't soon change,democracy as we know it will cease to exist.You can give people all the facts you want,but unless it fits what they want to hear,they'll refuse to listen.We don't have a free society doe1977,and haven't for quite some time.If I was the police officer who shot this man's dog,I would be embarrassed and ashamed.Oh,I forgot to ask,was the dog armed?More warrants have been issued on pure hearsay then we will ever know.So keep up the good work doe,maybe you'll get to be the hero and shoot a dog someday.In both cases the dogs were not trying to bite the officers.Here's an idea,put the unarmed cop in a pen with the unarmed dog and let them fight it out.Now that would be reality TV I would watch.
Posted 11:04 AM, 02.06.09
user blaupunkt says...
To user doe1997, in response to: "So go back to reading your little paper or checking your email at your desk while myself and my fellow co-workers.." Seriously? You mean to tell us that, aside from wasting our tax dollars by reading websites while at work, you are pushing your politically insensitive agenda on the clock and hiding behind technicalities? "It was the judge, stupid." That's not something I want to pay for with my taxes. Are your views shared by your department?
Posted 11:49 AM, 02.06.09
user says...
I can't believe that thack said "although there aren't enough shootouts at warrant servings to justify the military style invasions by police", is one enough? remember the fbi agent who was killed recently in pa. during the service of a warrant? is that enough? would you, thack, like to be the person to tell that agents loved ones that he won't be coming home because there previously hadn't been "enough shootouts" to warrant that type of entry? good news is that thack is likely one of those sit around and comment types, while other men and women of action put their lives on the line to protect them, one thing everyone has to remember (I have to remind myself every so often), is that everyone has the right express their thoughts and opinions in this country, even j***offs like thack, remember thack, the only reason you are able to drink your lattes in relative peace and question highly trained and skilled people is because of these men and women of action
Posted 1:32 PM, 02.06.09
user taxedtodeathinmd says...
Some people say you cannot have dog control on an entry team and that may be right but you could have an entry team member or secondary team member trained in animal control to take charge of the animal. This is still America isn't it? Don't law abiding citizens have the right to be safe in there own home. Now if its a house with a drug dealer armed with an AK47 and attacking pit bulls then you do what you have to. Its time for Howard County to say we screwed up, we kill a 12 year girl's pet dog! We put more lives at risk by firing a firearm in a dwelling then that dog ever did. Join me in mailing a dog bone or treat to the County Executive, he can give them to the SWAT team to keep them from killing more dogs and maybe he will get them some equipment to prevent such an event again Kenneth S. Ulman Howard County Government 3430 Courthouse Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043 PS if you follow the logic that other put forth that you cannot have animal control on warrant service because they are not police, then they will not EMTs with them if they break down a door of a house where an elderly person happens to live. So I guess they would die too if the had a medical emergency due to the door crashing in. Think about it and this:" Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one." -- Thomas Paine
Posted 2:05 PM, 02.06.09
user gratefolks says...
doe1997 Please either quit your job or read t he First Amendment. You really scare me with comments like this: "This is not a subject you should be commenting on..." For an agent of the government to be telling the public to silence their right to Free Speech - the form that was fundamental to the Founding Father's inclusion of this right - is so un-American that you are a disgrace to not only the profession. You really scare me - no joke. Please do America a favor and find a job in which you can not deny people their basic liberties.
Posted 2:41 PM, 02.06.09
user enoughofthebs says...
It's obvious user doe1997 is a freekin MORON. There is no justification for shooting that family pet. The dog was in a bedroom for God's sake. Probably hiding from the cowboys who broke into the house. I would hate to think what would have happened if a citizen who legally owns a gun came to the door after these idiots broke in. I personally have a registered handgun and would have thought my family was in danger. I would have grabbed my gun. The stupid cops found NOTHING and arrested NO ONE. Also, user dumb doe1997...in Howard County the police department owns animal control. They DO REPORT into the police chief / dept. Go do some homework before opening your stupid mouth MORON! Someone like you does deserve to be shot for being stupid.
Posted 2:56 PM, 02.06.09
user gratefolks says...
enoughofthebs please do not escalate the discussion to that of personal assaults. if nothing else such assaults might only further agitate this person with a badge and a gun. ironically, doe will act like a dog cornered; teeth bared and saliva drooling. and we know how dangerous a cornered dog can be. enough violence has already been committed in the name of the law. we don't need more.
Posted 4:07 PM, 02.06.09
user youaredumb says...
it is very difficult for me to understand some of these comments due to the grammar used. hello enoughofthebs, they did not "break in" to this mans house. they entered his private dwelling with a copy of the s & s warrant signed by a JUDGE, and executed it. they announced "HOWARD COUNTY POLICE SEARCH WARRANT", and then gained control of everyone in the house, which most likely upset the dog, at which time it was put down. they then searched the entire house, which probably caused quite a disruption of the residents personal effects, and they then most likely (after showing the original signed copy), left an unsigned copy of the s & s warrant with an adult. this is life. people steal, in this case a high powered rifle, police/authorities investigate. sometimes that investigation is wrong. has anyone thought that maybe this guy did do it or was involved, and just moved the rifle to another location? also, enoughofthebs, you certainly have the right to have a legally owned firearm in your house, but if the cops raid your place, don't come out armed because then we will be writing about a person who was killed, and not a dog
Posted 6:58 PM, 02.06.09
user enoughofthebs says...
youaredumb is a good handle for you. You're a big man on campus for sure! So they "upset the dog"...REALLY IDIOT??? No shit! "At which time it was put down".....another stupid dumb comment and a police cowboy justification / statement for sure! You cowards entered with hoods on your faces and scared the crap out of a 12 year old girl, killing her pet. Be a man and admit you all f-ed up...you had nothing! Real life statement? No...I disagree and many other also disagree....we pay you to protect us and you did not do that.....find a better way AH! I don't buy it. HCPD better re-look at their process. AND .....one thing you got right...."the investigation was wrong!".
Posted 7:41 PM, 02.06.09
user hcliberty says...
Excuse me, youaredumb, but they "entered his private dwelling," unannounced, by kicking down his door. That IS breaking in, warrant or no. I don't know where you got your information, but, according to the victim's account, they did not call out "HOWARD COUNTY POLICE SEARCH WARRANT." According to Fox news : "I was asking what's going on and they didn't tell me they were police. They were just saying get down get down," Hasenei said. As to your question, "Has anyone thought maybe the guy did do it?" I'm sure many of us have thought of that. But this is the USA, and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. You cannot violate anyone's rights because he MAY be guilty. This was not an investigation of a violent crime, and no one has said that Mr. Hasenei or any member of his family had a history of violence or a criminal record. Knocking down his door unannounced was uncalled for. Police officers are hired to protect the public safety. Mr. Hasenei is a member of the public. He has a reasonable expectation that he may sit in his home and not suddenly have his door kicked in. He has a reasonable expectation that, as a law-abiding citizen whose pets are properly contained, that no agent of the County may shoot them simply for barking. As to the right to have a legally owned firearm in the house, that seems to be a moot point. You may have the right, but HCPD clearly considers your legal ownership of a gun grounds for sending the SWAT team in if they have questions for you. As to the grammar-challenged person who suggested it's the political left who are angry about this, I would point out that I am not a liberal. Janet Reno is a liberal, I believe, and this no-knock raid is just her style.
Posted 8:05 PM, 02.06.09
user says...
hcliberty is absolutely right...these idiots did not say or announce "HOWARD COUNTY POLICE SEARCH WARRANT". FACT - They just broke in!!! Bottom line is a 12 year old girl was traumatized watching her law abiding parents being victimized by legal thugs who killed her family pet because they DID NOT do their homework. THIS WAS NOT A VIOLENT CRIME IN PROCESS! It never should have went down this way! There are other ways to investigate this and it should have been handled differently....kicking in their door at 9PM at night was not the proper way of doing business. HCPD Chief McMahan better damn look at what went wrong here because it was plenty wrong! It scares the hell out of me that a law abiding citizen and a legal owner of a gun could have been killed due to sloppy cowboy actions of the HCPD. I'm pissed that I pay these MORON's to protect me and they think they can get away with these actions. There isn't an excuse acceptable given the facts of this case! HCPD leadership better look hard at this....it's not only wrong....it will cost every HC taxpayer hard dollars. A multi-million $$$$ lawsuit will be won here for which HC taxpayers will contribute to as a result of no one stepping up to these actions in the past....YES,,,,,it has happened before here people! HOW SAD!!! It's time to speak up for what is wrong and right!.....Remember "we the people......"
Posted 10:42 PM, 02.06.09
user wolfy says...
youaredumb: "has anyone thought that maybe this guy did do it or was involved, and just moved the rifle to another location?" This is the classic response of officers who find no evidence whatsoever when conducting raids. Youaredumb, they found no evidence that would in any way connect the residents to the crime. But in youaredumb's world, the police should never be second guessed when they conduct raids. (In his mindset, even if officers do not find evidence that a crime has been committed, the residents likely hid the evidence before the police arrived. Citizens are thus guilty until proven innocent). Nevertheless, youaredumb appears to be incapable of exploring the ethical and moral implications of the use of swat raids. Like a mindless parrot all he can do is repeat: "But they obtained a valid warrant..but they obtained a valid warrant." Youaredumb's intellectual bankruptcy is obvious.
Posted 10:59 PM, 02.06.09
user three3 says...
The police consider theft of weapons and other material from a police car to be a challenge to their authority, and sadly they tend to over react in a big way when they feel that their authority has been challenged. This often takes the form of their doing things that would be blatantly illegal if we ordinary folk ever tried to do them. We see it all the time, and now we've seen it right here at home. Howard County leadership: Get these people under control right away!
Posted 10:24 AM, 02.07.09
user tater says...
and so another liberty of ours falls to the wayside... what if this man came out with a gun to defend his life and his families life? what if cops got shot and he didn't? whose fault would it be? this was a very un-thought out action on the side of the police. very very foolish. and is it customary for all cops who bash down doors to kill the first dog they see?
Posted 12:32 PM, 02.07.09
user concerned4citizens says...
While I respect authority, the Howard County Police have lost any respect I've had for that department. I've lived in Howard County for many years. I've known and have been friends with several members of that dpartment. Over the past 20 years I've seen or read about one incident after another where the Howard County Police have failed to live up to our expectations. It's not always the big things like this incident but also how they act in our communities. I routinely see patrol cards failing to signal or obey the basic traffic rules. I've long since stopped calling in car numbers to complain. I don't know what rules of engagement they subscribe to but it's rare to not see them overreact. Someone called them about their middle school son being beat up by another boy. Two patrol cars and two officers on bicycle came to our neighborhood. I'd suspect crime in our county is well below the norm. With the economy like it is, our political leaders spending our tax dollars lke they are endless maybe it's time we look at the size and resources of the county police department. Back to this incident, I'd suggest Howard County Police Chief William McMahon give the citizens a full report and if he doesn't do that he should be ased to resign.
Posted 2:15 PM, 02.07.09
user user1234 says...
Normally im the quiet reserved type who refuses to get involved in a forum such as this, however several comments have brought me to this point. The bottom line is unless you have ever been a cop you're not going to understand what it's like. You have mail men commenting on here about dealing with dogs and never having to shoot one, well when was the last time you entered a house(in this case a tiny enclosed trailer) where there isn't much room to maneuver, not to mention the fact that you are there to retrieve a weapon!! High stress situations require quick decisions, and its obvious from some of the comments here that some of you have no idea what that's like. I know what you're thinking, and yes im a Police Officer, and you know what, when i go to work im still going to treat every citizen with respect. I'm going to continue to do my job whether you approve or not. We deal with people on their worst days, and yet we continue to come back. Despite your opinions we continue to do our jobs. Go through that with someone everyday and perhaps you can understand the bond that Officers forge with one another.
Posted 3:20 PM, 02.07.09
user milton says...
User1234- being a police officer is a difficult job. However, you have the power to make people do things against their will by pointing a gun at them. That is a very serious responsibility that you should not take lightly. One of your fellow officers put the community in great danger by failing to secure his Sig Sauer assault rifle properly in his car. Now, that weapon is on the streets being used against the taxpayers that paid for it. In a failed attempt to retrieve the weapon, the police raided the home of an innocent man with a no-knock warrant and murdered his family pet. If that is what you call protecting the public, I’ll defend myself.
Posted 3:51 PM, 02.07.09
user enoughofthebs says...
The problem is this tactic should have never been used to retrieve stolen property, police gear or not! The end result was a major screw up. If my gun was stolen I'm sure the SWAT team would not have been assigned to kick someones door in in at 9 PM at night looking for it, not to mention scaring the crap out of a 12 year old year and killing her pet, all based on a bad tip. There was NO homework done! THERE WAS NOT A VIOLENT CRIME IN PROCESS. No one was being held hostage, etc.....This tactic was totally unnecessary and it resulted in a lawsuit for which all HC taxpayers will contribute. This has nothing to do with officers that bond. It has everything to do with officers that are stupid. Chief McMahon better change policy.....next time a human may be killed and it easily could have happened this time. This tactic is nothing short of UNACCEPTABLE! Please do not continue to attempt to defend it, it makes the HCPD look dumber than they are. PS I typically support the police however this is way out of line! Bad call....I hope McMahon admits wrong and changes policy.
Posted 4:00 PM, 02.07.09
user napalm52 says...
Dear dumbass I know Mike Hasenei very well he would have nothing to do with this. He domates money every year to local police. His record is clean and he has many family members in the state police and FBI. I can tell you this if you had this happen to you what would you do. This has happend 4,000 times in the us this year so don't defend bad police work and this is what it is bad police work bad police policy of weapons and ammo in unattended police cars. The bottom line is Mike will come out of this on top. It sounds like you don't know a whole lot about this case the warrant was changed if he did do it and they found anything in his house the case would have been dropped because of the warrant being changed at location this is a clear voliation of the 4th admendment.
Posted 12:34 AM, 02.08.09
user user1234 says...
milton- You have every right to defend yourself and i encourage you to do so, however that department acted on information they had at the time, would you rather they did nothing with that information and allowed the rifle as you say to be "used against the taxpayers that paid for it"? Granted it was not found, but again they were acting on information they had at the time in an attempt to recover it. Im also curious as to why you assume that the Officer who's car was broken into did not have the weapon secured properly.
Posted 12:36 AM, 02.08.09
user milton says...
User1234- I am sure the weapon was stored in the unmarked car following police protocols, but that was obviously not working to keep the public safe because the weapon was stolen. The police department obviously recognizes that their protocol for weapon storage is a joke, because now officers are not allowed to store weapons in cars. Only the Gestapo would show up to a citizens home with a SWAT team, bust down the door and murder a family pet. Any police official with common sense would have shown up with the SWAT team, said “look at us, we outnumber you, come out and let us search for a stolen weapon.†You can rationalize the actions of the police all you want, but sooner or later you will realize that you just can’t polish a turd.
Posted 1:53 PM, 02.08.09
user youaredumb says...
I'll make no personal attacks here, except to say that "enoughofthebs" probably doesn't have the education or credentials to work security at the local mall, much less comment on such an important issue, but that is what is so great about our country. We are all ALLOWED to express our opinions, even if YOUAREDUMB. the same people who are so angry about this LEGAL search of a private dwelling, are the same ones who will be calling the police to come to the local starbucks when the cashier gives them incorrect change for the latte they purchased. bottom line.. legally obtained s & s warrant signed by a judge. PERIOD. risk of putting officers (whom, last i checked were members of the public as well) lives in danger, which deemed the no knock entrance to be the appropriate option. PERIOD. argue it all you want, it was justified. the judge, who knows more about the law than any of us, deemed it justified. one last comment wolfy, who said that i was a "him"? the sexist tone of your mindless banter is very offensive. way more than my "intellectual bankruptcy", by the way make sure that your grammar is correct before you decide to question someones intellect
Posted 1:33 AM, 02.09.09
user milton says...
“YOU AREDUMBâ€- with all due respect, the fact that this was a legal search is a red herring. What if the police would have shot an innocent human being during this raid? Would that be excusable because the search was “legalâ€? This incident could have been handled in such a manner as to make both the police officers and the homeowner safer. This is one of the wealthiest counties in the country. The HoCo police have had every opportunity to receive the proper training, yet they pull this nonsense. Let the record show that Police Chief McMahon still has not publicly commented on this matter.
Posted 12:31 PM, 02.09.09
user enoughofthebs says...
youaredumb.....the truth hurts, doesn't it? Spin it any way you want but I have more common sense in my little toe to know that what you clowns did was just plain stupid / dumb like you. I guess every legal gun owner in Howard County can expect a SWAT team to show up at their door whenever the police may have a need to knock on their door. I guess any one of them who own a dog can expect the pet to be killed after they kick their door in. You're an idiot, face it! This process needs to be closely examined and changes need to be made. This was totally unnecessary, plain dumb like you. PERIOD, END OF STORY.
Posted 1:30 PM, 02.09.09
user says...
What is the continuing obsession with the police in this state to break down doors and shoot dogs? Do we need to start jailing officers and impeaching judges who sign the warrants? If the police needed to arrest the man (which they didn't, as it turned out), why didn't they stop him when he was outside of his premises and make the arrest? Or as one poster has already noted, tell him to come out of the house? Since this obviously wasn't a case of an impending shootout with Bonnie and Clyde, they then could have arranged for an orderly search of the house if they still thought he was guilty and without needlessly terrorizing his family and killing the dog. This reminds me of the needless deaths at Ruby Ridge and Waco, when storm tactics were used on people who hadn't committed any real crimes. After seeing how the authorities in Texas had raided the polygamist compound without killing anybody and how the Feds had arrested the tax rebel Ed Brown with a clever ruse instead of guns blazing, I thought we had moved beyond a compulsive need for kicking in doors with weapons drawn in non-emergency situations. Let's save the breaking in the doors for real emergency situations like when a hostage is about to be killed. The sad fact is that people should be very careful about calling the police to deal with anything except serious problems, otherwise some person or family pet might needlessly be killed. Remember this the next time you are tempted to call the police about some petty problem with a neighbor.
Posted 3:50 PM, 02.09.09
user youaredumb says...
it is clear that "enoughofthebs" is running out of arguements, which is why he starts with the personal attacks. grow up. did i ever say that i work for any police department? i do not think that i even hinted at it. perhaps i am a lawyer? or a local maintenance worker? or a teacher? your grammar is very poor, i know this is the internet and supposed to be shorthand, but there comes a time when it is just plain difficult to read "enoughofthebs's" hill-billy grammar. you don't like what the cops did, then write your local rep., that means representative "enoughofthebs". they don't answer, then make sure that the incumbent doesn't win when they are up for re-election. In this case, "enoughofthebs", incumbent means an official who already holds an office. but do not forget that while you guys sit at home/work and comment on articles in the middle of the work day, ah-hem "enoughofthebs", these men and women are out making sure that you are able to do so safely, and that the criminal element that howard county, specifically columbia, has let in does not destroy this county
Posted 5:25 PM, 02.09.09
user youaredumb says...
to the person who commented above enoughofthebs, police cannot be jailed for doing their job, they are protected under something called the "Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights". the officer would be judged on what another trained officer in his position would have done, not what someone with no law enforcement training would have done.
Posted 5:45 PM, 02.09.09
user enoughofthebs says...
to youaredumb.....there isn't a thing wrong with my grammar. As a matter of fact I write and communicate better than most people. The problem is you are obviously a MORON and cannot read or comprehend anything intelligent. You are intimidated here....we all know what your problem is so don't try to blow a smoke screen. You already blew it when you tried to defend the unacceptable actions of the HCPD SWAT for which you are either a member or tied to via some other dumbass brotherhood. Go away dope....you look foolish every time you comment. LMAO!
Posted 6:47 PM, 02.09.09
user keithjennings says...
So why is "youaredumb" also posting during the middle of the work day?.....ahem. And police can't be jailed for doing their jobs? Tell that to the officers in the Rodney King case. The police breaking into Mike Hasenei's house and shooting his dog does not make me any safer. I'm in much more danger of the police busting into my house on a mistake than in Mr. Hasenei causing me any problems.
Posted 7:04 PM, 02.09.09
user youaredumb says...
Mr. Jennings, when did I post in the middle of the work day? Also, if you remember the facts, the L.A. riots were due to the officers being ACQUITTED . Get your facts straight sir. What I meant is that if an officer is doing his/her job the way that they were trained, they cannot be charged or sued. Nobody thinks that, although Rodney King was a convicted felon and a parolee who ran from the cops, and was allegedly high on PCP, that he should have been beaten. If an officer is arrested, then they will be held accountable for the facts as they were seen at the time. Also, the facts of the case will be looked at from the stand point of a trained officer, to see if the trained officer would have acted the same way. if you are after the truth, google Law Enforcement Officers Bell of Rights, it may lead you to actually know what you are talking about. "enoughofthebs", you are a sad, small person. you likely wanted to be a cop and couldn't cut it, or you f'ed up somewhere during your career and got fired. you are a fool, and you are the one who began the personal attacks. you are weak.
Posted 8:13 PM, 02.09.09
user keithjennings says...
"youraredumb," Laurence Powell and Stacey Koon were both sentenced to 30 months in jail during their federal trial. Guess you forgot about that part of the story. And yes, the officers were acquitted in the earlier trial when the LA District Attorney prosecuted them, but obviously neither he nor the federal authorities were deterred from charging them to begin with by the Law Enforcement "Bell" of Rights. Officers Powell and Koon were both railroaded by a politically-correct presumption of guilt, but the point is that they were not immune from prosecution nor from serving jail time.
Posted 9:17 PM, 02.09.09
user enoughofthebs says...
Hey dummy....obviously capitalization and punctuation isn't your strong point even though you proclaim to be a grammar expert! You're a riot. You forgot to add "doctor" to the list of professions you suggested you possibly may be........HAHAHAHAHHA PS I gave you the facts along with several other posters here. Again, you're just too dumb to recognize or comprehend the facts. It's very sad you have no common sense. Go shoot another dog you punk ass coward.
Posted 9:20 PM, 02.09.09
user youaredumb says...
well mr. jennings, "Bell" is obviously a word i misspelled, we will forget about you starting a sentence with "and". thanks for the info about the officers from L.A. glad i wasn't in their shoes! thanks as well for keeping the debate fact based, and keeping the insults to a minimum. this is a very sensitive issue and people (myself included) forget that we are all entitled to our opinion, but the facts are the facts. we just have to remember that some people, like "enoughofthebs" don't have anything except these articles to comment on and that they are extremely lonely and wish that their life hadn't passed them by because now they feel empty and have to start arguements on the internet. "enoughofthebs", i guess i forgot to mention lonely when i described you in my earlier post. lets not cast stones about punctuation, because you have several errors as well. idiot. lol. i can't believe how seriously you are taking all of this. i, along with you and the rest of the people who post here, are free to post what ever views on here we want. you said earlier that my handle is fitting, well it is, because YOUAREDUMB. dumbass. why don't you meet someone and start a life? there are more important things out there than getting pissed about posts on the internet. man, how lonely is lonely?
Posted 11:57 PM, 02.09.09
user enoughofthebs says...
youaredumb...I'll no longer sit and banter back and forth with you. I have family and friends along with a good job/career. I'll close with this..I'm not "pissed at post on the internet". You obviously don't get it but we all knew that. The police process is flawed and public safety is in danger as a result. There are better ways of serving warrants and this needs to be looked at. I told you prior that I typically support the police 100%. I cannot support these recent actions by any means and I'd be willing to bet that after Chief McMahon looks at the facts in the closing investigation he will make changes. The attack on you is a result of your ignorance to see this and your actions in staunch defense of it. That my friend is unacceptable. The public has spoken. Most post here support this. My experience is the public usually plays a fairly large role in policy. I bet it changes. At least I hope so. Good luck to you. You worry me.
Posted 12:26 PM, 02.10.09
user youaredumb says...
"enoughofthebs", you continue to use poor grammar, HAHAHAHA! idiot. nobody agreed with you that i didn't know what i was talking about, you were jumping to the conclusion on that. i was simply saying that what the police did was within the boundaries of their training. you are the one who used the personal attacks against me. i just simply was not going to stand by and take it, that isn't something i do, i leave that to the liberal's who are ruining this county. have fun living in a county that cares more about criminals's, i am not necessarily talking about the homeowner in this case, than it does its tax paying, law abiding citizens. this policy won't change, and the local politicians aren't able to change it. this warrant did not fall under the unreasonable S & S parameters that the 4th amendment speaks of, if it did then the cops wouldn't have raided the dwelling because the warrant would not have been signed. you need to familiarize yourself with that amendment, know all of specifics behind the warrant (which neither you or I know), and then make a decision. the only advice i have for you is to "READ".
Posted 12:07 AM, 02.11.09
user independent says...
User, you are right on. We do need to start voting people out and spend our valuable time looking at judge's records. No one is going to do that for us. It's our responsibility. We may know leaders in national politics, but how many of us know our local representatives? This is the place where we live, it's the place that can affect us most on a daily basis and we're still voting based on party affiliation because we don't know the candidates much less the judges and other appointees. It's a real problem. This situation happening to one person make it more likely it can happen to any one of us next.
Posted 8:19 AM, 02.12.09
user doe1997 says...
Well, well...it seems that yes you obviously know the meaning of the first ammendment as you degrade and slander your fellow man whom you have never even met. Sounds like you have a temper problem. You don't even know me as a person and you attack me personally. I was just trying to clear up some obvious wrong facts about the law and police work which most of you on here obviously have no clue about. Guess we should all be glad you don't have a gun! Temper tempter. The police did not "Break into" the house..talk about "stupid." They had a signed and valid search and seizure warrant to ENTER the premises by a JUDGE. The same JUDGE who has to find probable cause to exist to do so. That is not burglary people. I would be mortified if I ever had to shoot a dog thank you very much. I was just trying to explain how dogs react differently in a police/stranger type situation in their home. None of you weren't there. Including myself. I never said they were right or wrong. I wouldn't do that. I can admit, unlike you all, that I was not there so I cannot pass judgement. Quite frankly none of you including myself are in the position to do so. It's just frustrating and irritating when citizens who have never been in uniform a day in their lives or face what we do on a daily basis make opinions and it's not based on fact of being there to make the split decision at that moment in time. And as for your other wonderfully nice personal attacks, believe it or not, us officers sometimes get to have a few moments of our own time and are off of work. It doesn't happen often, but sometimes that does. So don't worry, your tax dollars aren't paying for anything. Maybe you should brush up on your other moral stands like being kind to your fellow man. Especially one you have never met to attack personally. Nice to see that adults can have a factual friendly debate...I'm also so glad that you all seem to know better on how to serve a search and seizure warrant..Ever been on one?? Ever been shot at? Anyone literally want you dead and have the ability and desire to do it? Doubt it. Guess you will probably support CA. letting criminals just go free because of jail overcrowding..Enjoy
Posted 1:53 PM, 02.12.09
user doe1997 says...
Wow enoughofthebs... sounds like you have a lot of pent up anger issues..I didn't even read the other postings and attacks on other people until now and they are far worse than mine...hope you aren't my neighbor. Sounds like you would probably shoot a dog if it kept barking too loud.
Posted 2:02 PM, 02.12.09
user enoughofthebs says...
don't worry doe...I'm sure I'm not your neighbor. I doubt you even live in Howard County. I'm an animal lover so I can't even imagine the justification you clowns had for shooting the 12 year old girls family pet. I'm a little closer to the facts in this case than I can to share with you and can only comment that you guys are cowards. The dog was scared, it did not attack and there was no need for the cowboy actions that occurred here. I seriously doubt that you idiots would have broken into someones home if my gun was stolen. The warrant would have been served differently. There is a fine line between many cops and a crook. You're on it. Sad.....
Posted 2:54 PM, 02.12.09
user mynameismud says...
I am very disappointed at the comments being posted regarding this incident. Most of you are commenting on a one-sided story. The police haven't given their side because it is an ongoing investigation. When their side is revealed and posted, then you may make an EDUCATED opinion. For the most part, all I have read here is police bashing. Most of you have never worn a public safety uniform, have never risked your life to save someone elses, or have had a bullet fired at you in anger. I have. Your opinions do not hold any merit. Some of your suggestions are laughable. To the gentleman who is a former law enforcement officer with 30+ years experience, etc: Thank you for your service, but with all due respect, you need to stay in your lane. Just because you were a police administrator does not mean you are an expert with police tactical entry concepts. In closing, I am a dog lover too, as most who have posted. But I, for one, am not going to take a bite from a dog in lieu of protecting myself because I happen to enjoy a dog's company... Dog breed does not have any issue here. Would it have made a difference if it were a pitbull? Thoughts to ponder..... God bless America.
Posted 6:37 PM, 02.13.09
user enoughofthebs says...
mud, I have just one question please......was the police /SWAT officer on the bed when he shot the dog? That's were the dog was when he was shot. If so, what was he doing on the bed? PS there would be no difference if the dog were a pitbull. I personally do not believe breed is the main factor for aggressiveness. I know of many pitbulls who are as gentle as a lamb and wouldn't harm a fly. A dogs aggressiveness is mainly reflective of how they are raised. IMO the main issue here is we need to take a hard look at when a no knock tactical entry is used. It certainly isn't consistent and the known facts in this situation do not appear to justify it. I'll ask again,,,is this same procedure used for interfacing with every legal gun owner in Howard County and would this have been the procedure used if my gun was stolen and a tip was provided that the my gun was there? More thoughts to ponder....
Posted 3:41 AM, 02.14.09
user dogshotandkilledalso says...
Mr. Hasenei: You aren't the only one in Howard County who's dog was shot and killed for not reason. I filed a complaint as well but quickly realized that Internal Affairs is only out to protect their officers. The don't give a damn about you, your family or property. I would love to hear from you personally so that our attorneys can collaborate on our cases. Shame, my warrant wasn't legitimate either!
Posted 11:32 PM, 02.14.09
user mynameismud says...
fapfap, you are a piece of crap and your post reflects that..... Enough said about that. enoughofthebs, I am in total agreement with you regarding breeds. However, pitbulls have received a lot of negative press, and that was the point I was trying to make. Also, what does it matter if the dog was on the bed? A dog can't be aggresive and/or attacking if it's on a bed? I would think that the police would investigate any stolen firearm the same, regardless of who owns it. A stolen gun is a serious case and deserves due diligence by the investigators. We are talking about a semi-automatic rifle that was stolen, having the capability of rapid fire and long range. Citizens should be fearful that this gun is somewhere on the streets. I sure am. Again, judgement should be reserved until all of the facts are presented. It is sad that the public preaches innocent until proven guilty for criminals, but it's the other way around for police. The press is usually less than pro-police, and write their stories as such.
Posted 4:34 PM, 02.15.09
user napalm52 says...
To dogshotandkilledalso you can reach me by contacting the one who wrote this story you must hury. I have a lot going on the next couple of weeks with lawyers and the MD senate. I will give you a couple of weeks before I file my case.
Posted 4:03 AM, 02.16.09
user operationnation says...
To taxtodeathinmd and hutch: PETA would never go after rogue police who shoot and kill dogs. They only go after NFL quarterbacks who can bring them attention. http://blog.operation-nation.com/2009/02/15/peta-awol-again-when-cops-kill-dogs.aspx These incidents with thug cops happens all the time. I'm trying my best (as a small time reporter and blogger) to help Mr. Stan Rosenblatt, from Upper Gwynedd, PA. His dog was shot and killed by an off-duty Tempe, AZ Police Officer who was WAY OUT of his jurisdiction on January 16. Of course, no charges were filed. http://blog.operation-nation.com/2009/02/13/tempe-cop-indicted-for-shooting-dog-in-pennsylvania.aspx I will definitely make note of this case as well and try to publicize it.
Posted 12:31 PM, 02.16.09
user says...
I'm really late on this discussion, but I think the discretion to shoot animals should be removed. I don't care if this adds the risk of police officers getting maimed or injured. This sounds like an attack on police, and I'm sure that this will offend police officers and that is not my intention. Simply put, it is wrong to kill someone's pet whether the suspect is a drug dealer, terrorist, whatever. Every job in America has its dangers. I remember a statistic that ranks the most dangerous jobs in the country and though I can't remember it exactly, police officers were low on the list behind firefighters and other industrial vocations. I even remember something about restaurant and retail employees being more likely to be assaulted than police officers. The thing about most professions is that they all have accountability, almost. Exceptions seem to be government employees. I am a state employee and If I weren't an honest decent person I could get away with treating the public like crap. Many of my co-workers do. It is wrong. I'm not a cop and I don't know what being a cop is like from a cop's perspective. I have however heard enough to persuade myself that they suffer from the same demons that we all do. I heard a defendant in a particular case speaking with his attorney after his plea in court for DUI. He sustained many injuries to the face. The Assistant State's Attorney told the judge that the defendant fell on his face because he was very drunk and was resisting arrest. The defendant told his attorney after the plea that he had called an officer a name and the officer slammed his face in to the pavement in response. Now there are times that I would like to slam someone's face in the pavement when they make me mad but I refrain. But then again I'm not a cop and I wouldn't understand. To the argument that us simple folk civilians ought to let cops do their jobs and thank god they are there to protect us, I would like to respond. Thank you for doing a tough job, but if that is the attitude let me do it myself. I don't really need you to protect me from criminals. The criminals need you to protect them from me. Police are the solution to the problem laden form of justice known as vigilantism. Professional police departments were conceived so innocent people accused of any myriad of offenses wouldn't find people kicking down their doors and hanging them from the nearest tree. Well, at least you don't hang people from trees anymore.
Posted 1:49 PM, 07.25.09
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