Columbia residents Kevin and Lisa Henderson this week filed a $5 million federal lawsuit alleging Howard County police killed their “gentle, loving” 10-year-old mutt, Grunt, during a SWAT team raid last year.

The raid was the third in 18 months in which county police have been publicly accused of shooting a dog.

The Hendersons’ lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore July 27, alleges not only that their dog was killed but they suffered assault, battery and racial discrimination at the hands of the Howard County police.

“Grunt was a good dog,” said Lisa Henderson, 46, who added that the family rescued him from the Howard County Animal Shelter. “Every time I think about him, I get ready to cry.”

A police spokeswoman declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying the department does not comment on pending litigation.

At issue is a Jan. 18, 2008 police raid on the Hendersons’ home in the 8700 block of Hayshed Lane in Long Reach.

At 10:15 that night, the SWAT team entered the family’s unlocked door without announcing themselves, tapped on the door to entice the Hendersons’ dogs, Grunt and Smidget, to run to them, and shot Grunt, a rottweiler-labrador mix, according to the lawsuit.

In an interview July 28, Jimmy Bell, the Hendersons’ attorney, condemned what he called police misconduct.  

“Michael Vick was sent to prison for killing innocent dogs,” said Bell, referring to the former all-pro National Football League quarterback. “(Police) killed Grunt, a family friend for 10 years, and nothing has happened to them.”

The suit also alleges that police assaulted the Hendersons. Kevin Henderson, who suffers from diabetes and a nerve disorder in his legs, was thrown to the floor by police, according to the suit. When Henderson tried to explain that he was disabled and asked police to stop stepping on his feet and legs, police continued to do so even though he yelled in “excruciating” pain, the lawsuit alleges.

When Lisa Henderson’s son, James Nickens, 24, asked why the police shot his dog, an officer pointed a gun at Nickens’ head, saying, “If you say one more word I’m going to blow your ... head off,” the suit alleges.

The suit also claims that police made a similar threat against Lisa Henderson when she refused to be silent. The officers allegedly picked her up, while handcuffed, and dragged her across the floor, the suit states.

The suit also alleges the Hendersons, who are black, were targeted because of their race.

The suit names as defendants the Howard County government and three individual officers.

The night of the raid, police were searching for drugs and found marijuana and a pipe in the possession of a 28-year-old Columbia man, who was inside the Hendersons’ home and admitted that the drugs were his, according to charging documents filed by police. The 28-year-old acquaintance of the Hendersons pleaded guilty to drug paraphernalia possession stemming from the incident shortly afterward, court records show.

The Hendersons were charged with various drug-related offenses four days after the raid, but were later acquitted of all of the charges.

Court records from Maryland indicate neither Lisa nor Kevin Henderson had any previous criminal record.

“We’ve never even gotten a driving ticket,” Kevin Henderson said.

In an interview July 28, they denied knowing the 28-year-old had brought the drugs into their home.

“We don’t frisk everyone who walks into our home,” Kevin Henderson said.

At the hearing in which they were acquitted, the couple said they overheard the officers involved in the raid laughing and talking about killing the dog at Howard County District Court.

“They were over there laughing and gesturing about how they killed Grunt,” Lisa Henderson said.

Howard County police were in the spotlight earlier in the year for shooting a dog in a raid on an Elkridge home that yielded no arrests.

The dog’s owner Mike Hasenei, of the 6600 block of Deep Run Parkway, filed a complaint with the police after a tactical team burst into his home looking for a stolen police rifle and other gear. During the raid, police shot and killed Hasenei’s Australian cattle dog. Hasenei was never formally charged.

Howard County Police Chief William McMahon said at the time that the raid was justified.

“We had stolen weapons that could present a danger to the community, so it was important to get them,” McMahon said. He said the tactical team was composed of some of the most highly trained officers in the department.

Hasenei later testified before state lawmakers in hearings that eventually led to a new law requiring local jurisdictions to report how and how often their tactical teams are used.

In the Annapolis hearings, several Howard County residents testified in support of the bill, including an Ellicott City woman who told the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee that she heard Howard County police shoot and kill her dog in her Ellicott City living room.  Also, a Highland man told committee members that during an April 2008 raid on his house he and his family were held at gunpoint outside of his house while police searched inside.

This article has been updated.

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user comments (51)

user milton says...

This shooting is in addition to another shooting of a family dog by police in Elkridge which occured earlier this year. What is going on in the Howard County Police Department when a family dog gets shot every year during a botched raid? How can County Executive Ken Ulman and Police Chief McMahon allow this tragedy to occur and re-occur on their watch?

Posted 2:12 PM, 07.28.09 | Permalink

user givemeabreak says...

HoCo PD has been out of control for some time now, so I am glad that light is being shed on this situation. It just sucks that the award or settlement will be paid with tax dollars.

Posted 5:33 PM, 07.28.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

Givemeabreak, should listen to his own username. Unreal that you people read what somebody freely says, and take it as fact. "The SWAT members made a noise to lure the dog out, and then shot it point blank".......are you freaking kidding me??? Givemeabreak!! If you think thats true, then I have a great piece of land to sell you. Also, the son says he was dragged down the stairs and thrown over the balcony, THEN still they began stepping on his back.....blah blah blah. Wow, and he had no injuries and people believe that??? Yes, the HCPD swat walk around like Rambo's, with their "submachine" guns......this is a joke.

Posted 10:37 PM, 07.28.09 | Permalink

user independent says...

Since this has happened with some frequency, the dog owner's claims seem to have validity.

Posted 7:47 AM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user mdmommy113 says...

this is really disturbing news. what is going on with Ho.Co cops? How can these officers be deemed "public servants" when they are actually harming people with their service? So twisted and backwards. I cannot believe that an officer pointed a gun at this gentleman's head and told him he would "blow his head off if he said one more word." Way to preach "Civility."

Posted 11:05 AM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user givemeabreak says...

mutangclan: I am an incredulous individual by nature, but as independent pointed out, where there is smoke, there's fire. Even if the events didn't go down exactly as the homeowners claim, I still 100% believe that botched, ill-informed raids like this one happen way too often. "Yes, the HCPD swat walk around like Rambo's, with their 'submachine' guns......this is a joke." Unfortunately, it isn't a joke; it is reality. However, from what I have heard, the SWAT in HoCo not only uses "submachine" guns (the HK MP5), they also use assault rifles (M-4 carbines). That is a ton of firepower for a county that rarely, if ever, has drug raid shoot-outs.

Posted 11:30 AM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user givemeabreak says...

One more thing mutangclan: You should really read more, because this type of complaint is common. Just google "raid on Berwyn Heights mayor's house," or "dog shot in police raid," and you will see that you are behind the curve on this argument (but I'm sure that you are used to being behind the curve). In fact, when I typed "dog shot in police raid" into google, 4 of the first 10 hits are SWAT dog shootings in MD. One was in B-more, one was the Berwyn Heights mayor's case, and the final two were from right here in HoCo. Is this still a joke now?

Posted 11:41 AM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user columbiamike says...

The weapons, calibers, and need for them isn't the point. The force and tactics are what is being calling into question - and rightfully so. I don't blame them for filing this lawsuit. Stories of wrong address drug raids are rampant these days, and being thrown to the ground in your own home and manhanded by SWAT is one thing, but shooting the family dog is entirely another.

Posted 11:54 AM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user seriouslyfolks says...

Oh where to start. People just love to sit back and complain about what the police do and don't do, when it suits them. It's always their fault for pulling you over for speeding, not yours for speeding right?? I must begin by informing some of you "taxpayers" that most of you have not the first clue the crime that goes on in this county. People want to act like this community is not plagued with dangerous crime, well it is. There is a large gang presence as well as a huge drug and drug associated violence presence. You must read what these people say happened and have questions, I mean obviously you are smart enough to know that just because something has been written does not make it fact, sheesh! I am an avid animal lover and very sad to hear that this dog was injured and since has died ( which the owners opted not to save, they left that part out of the news!) If people knew what most of these officers face and what they have to deal with for your precious taxpayers dollars ( or so you like to think) you would stop them every opportunity and thank them. I think "servant" is a dangerous word. It gives "taxpayers" some sort of entitlement that these officers have to justify their actions to you. If you knew the WHOLE story to this event I assure you you would have enough sense and clarity to know that things are not always what they seem. These men and women do amazing work do help this county NOT feel the effects of the violent, drug related crime THEY deal with on a regular basis. Givemeabreak, you can google information about aliens that have recently landed in this county too, I bet you will get just as many matches. Use your brain people. These men and women are not animal murdering, out of control, gun happy renegades.

Posted 12:24 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user seriouslyfolks says...

Oh where to start. People just love to sit back and complain about what the police do and don't do, when it suits them. It's always their fault for pulling you over for speeding, not yours for speeding right?? I must begin by informing some of you "taxpayers" that most of you have not the first clue the crime that goes on in this county. People want to act like this community is not plagued with dangerous crime, well it is. There is a large gang presence as well as a huge drug and drug associated violence presence. You must read what these people say happened and have questions, I mean obviously you are smart enough to know that just because something has been written does not make it fact, sheesh! I am an avid animal lover and very sad to hear that this dog was injured and since has died ( which the owners opted not to save, they left that part out of the news!) If people knew what most of these officers face and what they have to deal with for your precious taxpayers dollars ( or so you like to think) you would stop them every opportunity and thank them. I think "servant" is a dangerous word. It gives "taxpayers" some sort of entitlement that these officers have to justify their actions to you. If you knew the WHOLE story to this event I assure you you would have enough sense and clarity to know that things are not always what they seem. These men and women do amazing work do help this county NOT feel the effects of the violent, drug related crime THEY deal with on a regular basis. Givemeabreak, you can google information about aliens that have recently landed in this county too, I bet you will get just as many matches. Use your brain people. These men and women are not animal murdering, out of control, gun happy renegades.

Posted 12:29 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user says...

Interesting, Givemeabreak, that someone who is so knowledgable uses words and phrases like " from what I've heard". And so even though I completely disagree, in your words, "a ton of firepower for a county that rarely, if ever, has drug raid shoot-outs ".....I guess you're saying since it RARELY happens, that the SWAT team should never carry those weapons? You know, because it RARELY happens???? Thats one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. Were you a boyscout?? "Always be prepared" ?? Police dont try and match up with what they THINK might be in the house, Police make sure they are completely, or as close to completely prepared as possible. Police dont bring a knife to a gunfight, or a little pistol when someone might have a rifle. They come prepared, as they should be, if the need is to overwhelm. They go into situations that other people run from. And by the way, since when did having any sort of weapon pointed at a person, injure them??? Hmmmm? Oh, right, they just got their feelings hurt. Oh, and also had drugs in the house. Since when PEOPLE, since WHEN because someone said it happened, makes it true?? Because a homeowner, WHO by the way, was fine with any visitor leaving their marijuana out around the house, said that an officer did something, that means they are telling the truth??? A person said an officer said he was going to blow his head off, and that means it's true? How gullible can people be...... Nobody, aside from these homeowners, say it was a botched raid. No one has said it was the wrong address. On top of that, the two homes were hit at the EXACT same time by the Swat team. And let me ask you this: if the police department obtains a warrant, SIGNED BY A JUDGE, and they follow all procedures, which that department did. They enter the house, which they rightfully can, a dog encounters them and growls/snaps/attacks etc, what do the police do? Get bitten? Run? Call for animal control help??? What do they do? They shoot the dog. Just like the law says to. You're probably the same type of person who will call in, and say that some kids are smoking dope in your neighborhood and you dont like it. Thats always the case........weak.

Posted 12:35 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user milton says...

Hopefully the case will go to trial and everyone will find out exactly what happened. It is wise to be skeptical of both parties (the police and the homeowners), although no one is disputing that the police shot the dog during a mistaken raid and the dog died as a result. It seems that the police need to revisit their policy in dealing with animals regardless of the allegations of brutality against the owners.

Posted 12:36 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user milton says...

User, it would be very disturbing to me if this raid was over marijuana. Marijuana is far less harmful than alcohol, and it is sad that our tax dollars are being wasted and our saftey is being compromised to fight a war on drugs. The majority of the violence associated with the drug trade is precisely because drugs are illegal.

Posted 12:43 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user givemeabreak says...

seriouslyfolks: I never said that HoCo is free from crime. My point is that the tactics used by HoCo PD to deal with HoCo crimes are over the top and unecessary. People who have committed crimes need to be punished, but innocent people are getting their doors kicked in, and their animals are getting shot; why wouldn't we complain about this? I know full well the dangers that these officers face, I have several cops in my family. However, the cops in my family generally agree that this type of BS must stop. "I think 'servant' is a dangerous word." Too bad the police ARE public servants. They work for us as taxpayers, and as a taxpayer, I have the right to complain about their tactics. Finally, I agree that you can find a bunch of articles about aliens by googling, but how many of those articles will be written by reputable news source like the Washington Post? The Post has written articles detailing these botched raids, are they making all of this up? User: "I guess you're saying since it RARELY happens, that the SWAT team should never carry those weapons? You know, because it RARELY happens????" You guessed wrong. My point was that our cops are using assault rifles to raid homes when there is zero intel that firearms are present in the home to be raided. The 5.56x45MM round that an M-4 shoots will easily go right through the next dog the cops shoot, right through the wall, and into the neighbors house while they are sitting there watching tv. So now you've got two innocent household that have been aggrieved. "And let me ask you this: if the police department obtains a warrant, SIGNED BY A JUDGE, and they follow all procedures, which that department did. They enter the house, which they rightfully can, a dog encounters them and growls/snaps/attacks etc, what do the police do? Get bitten? Run? Call for animal control help??? What do they do? They shoot the dog. Just like the law says to." Really, "the law" states that cops are supposed to shoot dogs attempting to protect their homes? Please cite the statute or case law where this rule is found. Oh wait, you just made that up. Additionally, how do you know that all procedures were followed to obtain the warrant for this raid? Cops lie to judges to get warrants all the time. "You're probably the same type of person who will call in, and say that some kids are smoking dope in your neighborhood and you dont like it. Thats always the case........weak." Wrong again. If anyone was smoking weed in my neighborhood, I would join them. The only reason that I would call the cops on them is if they didn't pass it.

Posted 1:08 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

Givemeabreak: "when there is zero intel that firearms are present " Oh, so you read the warrant? You had the info? Nope. Judge signed off on the warrant, the police then did their job. The JUDGE. And in case you haven't noticed Genius, the Post is using words like ACCUSED, YOU are convicting them. Protecting one self, in the line of duty is common in law enforcement. You can ask your hah, "family members" who are cops. Um hmmmm. So the dog protecting a home, is more important than human officers going into a high risk invironment, and then protecting themselves? Your argument is so foolish and uninformed. "If anyone was smoking weed in my neighborhood I"d only call if they didn't pass it." All credibility lost. Typical.

Posted 1:44 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user givemeabreak says...

mutangclan: Nope, I haven't read the warrant in this case, but I wasn't talking about this case in particular. I am talking about the dozens of articles I have read where the cops have admitted that they had no idea whether the home to be raided contained weapons, but they sent in the SWAT team and wrecked the entire house anyway. Remember the raid on the home in Elkridge, where the HoCo PD were looking for stolen police weapons? So far, HoCo PD has been unable and unwilling to provide evidence that would lead a reasonable person to believe that those homes raided contained the stolen weapons, let alone any weapons whatsoever. Just because "THE JUDGE" signed a warrant, it doesn't mean that these tactics are necessary. The warrant allowed the police to enter the home in question, but I am 100% sure that it didn't state, "use all of the SWAT team to kick down the door and then shoot the dog." So what is your point about the warrant? We aren't talking about whether the cops could have entered that home and search it, we are talking about the methods the cops employed to do so, genius. No, a dog's life isn't as important as a human's life in my book, but again, you are missing the point; cops are raiding the wrong houses and shooting dogs that may or may not have been aggressive. How does this seem right to you? Funny that you would tell me that I am a foolish, uninformed "genius," when you can't even spell "environment" correctly. Finally, I may lose credibility with you for toking, but it didn't stop my from getting through law school, passing the bar exam on my first try, or getting a job with a high-priced law firm.

Posted 2:03 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user givemeabreak says...

and that's me, not my

Posted 2:05 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

Cute, mis-types to try and bring down an argument.....one more weak identifier. Dozens of articles where cops admitted they had no about weapons and went in with the SWAT?? Find me one, and include the link. Quit making stuff up. In Elkridge they were looking for someone, who they had enough probable cause to think it was that homeowner, and that person broke into a police vehicle and took a rifle etc......and you think that SWAT was justified being used for that???? Are you insane? And the Judge signs off on no-knock or announce warrants......you would know that if you went to Law School etc.....which obviously you did not. The SWAT team uses the same procedures that they legally, and procedurally do time and time again. And they never know exactly what situation they are going into. This time inparticular, it seems as if there was an aggressive dog. SWAT is not trained to try and lure it outside with a steak. And so what methods are then referring to? And one more time, who said it was the wrong house???? Just because a small amount was found instead of a large amount, does not mean it's wrong. Usually it means they just missed it/the guy/etc.

Posted 2:21 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user citizentaxpayerjane says...

HCPD hates dogs, based on experience, and no one in my house has or will break the law. Police storming into incorrect homes and killing dogs is an infraction against our basic liberties. Several of the above don't care about personal liberty or living in a police state, apparently.

Posted 2:24 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

I rush through typing.... they had no IDEA about weapons and you think that SWAT was NOT justified being used for that? iMparticular Is that better???????

Posted 2:27 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user givemeabreak says...

Sorry mutangclan, but you can do your own research. Start with the case of the Berwyn Heights mayor. The only thing that the cops knew was that the package of weed was delivered to the mayor's house. They obviously had no idea who was in the house, or if they were armed; otherwise, the raid wouldn't have happened at all. They could have simply knocked on the door with the warrant. So yes, zero intel, and it is a common theme with cops. Even though I am not a criminal defense attorney or prosecutor, I certainly remember no-knock warrants and warrants in general from my studies. While I was in school, no-knocks were illegal, but now they are not. I also know that the annouce/ do not announce status of the warrant has nothing to do with whether SWAT is used. That decision is made by the PD that obtained the warrant. I'm fine with having SWAT ready to go on a house where there is good intel and a high danger level exists. But the whole point of the discussion is how are these raids going down? Standard procedure is to raid the wrong house, shoot the dog, and smash the innocent homeowners? Really? "And they never know exactly what situation they are going into." Agreed, especially when you have morons like HoCo PD, and you don't do any homework. "who said it was the wrong house???? Just because a small amount was found instead of a large amount, does not mean it's wrong. Usually it means they just missed it/the guy/etc." Yes, the HoCo PD just missed the guy. Missed him by several houses at best. Furthermore, what did they find at the Elkridge location? No guns, right? Missed the guy there too? And in Berwyn Heights? Missed the guy? You don't have to be trained to know that if you open a door of a home and tap on the door, more than likely, the dog will come your way. Who said anything about a steak? I don't need to point out errors to bring down your argument, your argument brings itself down. I make errors all the time, but I wasn't the one calling people "Genius."

Posted 3:08 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

Nope, but when Givemeabreak makes assumptions, or reads them, they all of a sudden become fact. And all they ever have for a warrant of that nature is probable cause......otherwise it would be for an arrest warrant. Thats how it has to be. You still are arguing as fact, what those homeowners said. I guess since OJ said he didn't kill Nicole, the police were wrong there too. Morons like the HCPD that dont do their homework.....more generalizing by the King. Live your life with your assumptions. Pathetic.

Posted 3:22 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user givemeabreak says...

I am not taking what these vicitms have said as fact, I am formulating my own opinion after years of observing and reading about police behavior. Law lesson: both search and arrest warrants require probable cause, that's how it has to be. You are making assumptions as well; you assume that what the homeowners have said is incorrect. History is life's best teacher, and recent history has shown that the cops are out of control. You are entitled to your opinion, but you appear to be in the minority here. Especially when you consider the FACT that O'Malley recently signed into law a bill that requires accurate record keeping of SWAT activities. Did the MD senate draft this bill because they felt that the SWAT team status quo was a-OK?

Posted 3:38 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user sylviestress says...

This is more a financial issue than anything. SWAT teams get a portion of the county's budget. If the SWAT team is not used, their portion of the money is questioned. So, they need to use all their equipment and manpower on SOMETHING once in a while to justify their existence. If people want this to stop, try starting by questioning the budget process that funds this sort of thing.

Posted 5:07 PM, 07.29.09 | Permalink

user says...

I also have issues with the HoCo Police Dept, especially the rookies with who I won't name. Last week my husband was figuratively "gang raped" by five officers because he was getting scrap wood from a dumpster. Come on, it took five officers to process a middle aged and obviosly physically disabled man? It remionds me of that famous scene from the movie Deliverance. The "officers" used vulgar language, accused him of being a child molester, and without provocation, one of the officers put his gun to his forehead. What a waste of taxpayer money to have five officers on the scene getting pieces of lumber from a dumpster!!! When they looked at my husbands drivers license, they thought his middle name was funny and continually taunted him by calling him by middle name and laughing. There were other issues of unprofessionalism used that night, but it would take too long to write about. How unprofessional and juvenile!!!! When they were in a gang of five officers, they fed off each others immaturity and unprofessionalism. What kind of psychological test did these officers pass? The officers now can't find tmy husbands drivers license, a visa card and a notebook they took, probably because they had themselves worked up into such a frenzy showing off for each other they don't know what they did with these items. I really feel for the people who have had their pets shot and killed by these idiots in uniform. If I witnessed an officer shoot my dog, they would probably have to shoot me too. Really, something has to be done about these rogue cops, and I will do my part to the fullest extent to see they the real justice is served!!!

Posted 8:42 AM, 07.30.09 | Permalink

user schmedward says...

givemeabreak, no seriously. they don't use M4's, but if you want to go off information you receive from friends/movies/videogames then i think you left something out. after shooting the dog, the swat officer with cool nickname and cut off sleeves carrying his belt-fed machine gun threw a ace-of-spades death card on the dead animal. come on. i do agree there are some less than satisfactory police officers, but then again there are poor doctors, accountants, construction workers, etc. who is getting this information anyway? enticing the dog to come towards them to shoot it? they might as well have wrote that the officers tied dog biscuits to the barrel of their guns. the only thing i'm taking away from this article is that i should really starting my own reporting website--atleast it would be outwardly humorous.

Posted 11:28 AM, 07.30.09 | Permalink

user givemeabreak says...

You know what schmedward, you are 100% correct, the HoCo SWAT team doesn't use the Colt M4...they use a newer, more capable version made by Sig Sauer specifically for SWAT teams. Here is the rifle: http://www.sigsauer.com/products/showcatalogproductdetails.aspx?categoryid=35&productid=211 This shoots the exact same 5.56mm round as the M4, and is functionally identical. How do I know this is what the HoCo cops are using? Here is the article from this very website that proves me right: http://www.explorehoward.com/news/15341/home-raid-leads-complaint/ "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." Nice try, but my information doesn't come from the movies or videogames. For further clarification, go to youtube or even google pics of SWAT team members. You will see that they usually have a 5.56 rifle, or the 9mm HK MP5.

Posted 11:51 AM, 07.30.09 | Permalink

user independent says...

If people really wanted change, the opportunity presented only a few weeks ago but only two people showed up to testify for improvements to police in Howard in front of the accredidation committee. Many group leads showed up to enthusiastically support the police exactly as they operate. When people are serious about change, priorities will shift; time will be spent following up, organizing, communicating, attending. Until then we are faced with the past being our future.

Posted 11:51 AM, 07.30.09 | Permalink

user givemeabreak says...

100% agree with independent. I think one of the issues is that people are afraid to speak up because the police are "policed" by...well...other police. So most folks know that if they say anything, nothing will actually happen, and the petty cops we have in HoCo will try to screw the complainer over any chance they get. Again, I agree with you, but I was just stating a possible reason. schmedward: one more thing; here is a cop blog, where a HoCo cop is telling another cop what HoCo carry: http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63382 "We carry Sig Sauer P229 .40 handguns, and officers on every squad are assigned either a shotgun, Sig .223 tactical rifle, beanbag shotgun, or pepperball gun." For those who don't know, .223 caliber = 5.56mm.

Posted 12:01 PM, 07.30.09 | Permalink

user independent says...

It's convenient to think we elect people to represent us and we need do nothing more, but in fact it's the campaign dollars that elect those people -- very few actually represent the main body of constituents. And very few constituents can name local leaders for whom they voted, much less the decisions they've made (often in support of campaign donors). When people are properly inconvenienced, change will occur as a critical mass of voters forms to relieve electeds from their positions while voting new leadership who might have a better view on representing all constituents fairly and equally. Because of technology, some people say that a local political campaign does not require money. That lack of money followed by favorable decisions for donors at the expense of others will provide a wide open field for good leaders.

Posted 12:19 PM, 07.30.09 | Permalink

user schmedward says...

i think people are losing sight of what happened here. the search warrant was signed by a judge. in case you didn't catch that--A JUDGE. judges make their decisions based off evidence alone and independently of law enforcement. entry was made on a house and a dog was shot in the process. i love dogs and have one myself. he does a great job of barking his face off every time someone is near the home and would most likely defend it if someone tried to come in. that being said, don't you think the dog could have posed a threat to the officers safety (whether it was swat or any other type of cop)? i would have been very upset if that was my dog, but five million dollars upset? where did these people get a number like that?

Posted 4:10 PM, 07.30.09 | Permalink

user givemeabreak says...

I agree with you about the $5M claim, that is a ton of money. In regard to your comment about a judge signing the warrant, I would have to disagree with you with two points: 1) judges make their decisions to sign a warrant based on the probable cause to search as presented by the cops. The cops can and do present bad info, as we've seen with these recent news-worthy SWAT raids, and it has lead to a bad situation for all. 2) The judge signing a warrant is irrelevant to this discussion; even if the warrant was by the book, the tactics used in the raids are what is at issue.

Posted 4:55 PM, 07.30.09 | Permalink

user hindalose says...

Well I guess since there is no crime in Howard County the police ought to be carrying slingshots and pebbles. Yeah we dont have any of that real crime like they do in the "city". You know stabbings ( oh there was one on Wednesday afternnon in Columbia) or shootings (oh there was one of those just two weeks ago at the Cradlerock School) or murders (oh wait there was one just last year in Stevens Forest Apartments known starting today as Forest Ridge Apartments and the fact that it wasnt even the "right" person who got shot so that cancels out that murder). Yes we dont have the high number like they do in surrounding cities (thats probably why most of you moved to the "Land of Oz") but do you think that this might be in part because of what the Police Officers in this county do for all of us. There is a reason why our Police Department requires the Officers to have college or several years in the military before they will even consider hiring them. they have a much higher caliber of officer than soem of the surrounding areas. Try going to Baltimore City and getting the same caliber of service from a police officer there as we do here and while you are at it if you like thier service better then STAY. Or better yet why dont you quit you job and become a police officer and see if you can do the job they do. Change starts with you. If you dont like it work to change it. If you dont want to work for change stop complaining.

Posted 9:28 PM, 07.30.09 | Permalink

user hindalose says...

Givemeabreak did you ever stop to think once that maybe just maybe the police did "hit" the right house. Maybe the homeowners are just saying that the police did not do thier homework and "hit" the wrong house. How many times do yo think a police officer hears a suspect that he just searched and found drugs in thier pocket say "That aint my weed" or "Thats aint my crack pipe" even though it was in thier pocket. How effective do you think the polce would be if they just believed every word that came out of everyones mouth just like you do. I mean come on the police learn to "read" when people are lying they deal with it everyday. Im sure almost everyone on here that has been pulled over by a cop has lied to them. "No officer I didnt realize I was going that fast" " I didnt know I was speeding". All in hopes of getting a warning instead of a ticket.

Posted 8:01 AM, 07.31.09 | Permalink

user independent says...

Judges are not infallable, in fact, most do not know what loss of liberty means so basing any argument on what a judge says is faulty whether signing a warrant, deciding against constitutional amendment rights, letting child abusers out of jail, refusing to protect families from violent spouses, deciding from the Supreme Court (no less) that any of our properties can be confiscated by the government if someone finds a profitable economic use for it. (followed by a gushing press who forgot to mention retiring Judge Souter's real claim to fame). Arguments based on what a judge says are viewed with a healthy skepticsm.

Posted 8:06 AM, 07.31.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

Well, look there. Another shooting today, and a stabbing two days ago. Yet one more person running around Howard Co. with a gun. But lets keep our county police on the outside looking in, knocking politely with their pee shooters. Because hey, maybe then when the homeowner comes to the door the two cops can just get blasted (like in Pa), but the vicious or not dog wont.

Posted 5:10 PM, 07.31.09 | Permalink

user milton says...

There are times to use deadly force, and there are times to use non-lethal force (mace, tasers, etc.) The HoCo police need to expand their toolbox for dealing with animals. This is especially true if they are serving no-knock warrants on innocent citizens as they did during the Elkridge raid. Being a cop is tough, and I tip my hat to those who wear the badge. However, when mistakes are made, they police need to man up and admit the mistake and figure out a way to prevent it from happening in the future. Blowing off the public as has been done with respect to these two dog shootings is just pathetic.

Posted 10:16 PM, 07.31.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

Milton you are correct, there are times and not times for deadly force. However, what do you suggest? You say if they are serving no-knock warrants on innocent victims; at that time, obviously they are not "innocent victims". (I'll be the first to admit I dont know the whole story, but aside from the residents in that house in Elkridge, did anyone else say they were innocent? We keep throwing out there the word innocent, that has only been said by residents) So the police are serving that warrant, a no-knock, and they should take those few, possibly precious seconds to switch from their rifle to a taser? All the while the residents get their warning and then can grab their own firearm, flush drugs or who knows what else??? Is that the alternative?

Posted 11:06 AM, 08.01.09 | Permalink

user milton says...

No, the alternative is to use common sense rather than cowboy firearm tactics. Maybe they can use "flash bangs" to stun homeowners or perhaps mount mace at the end of their rifles. If the Elkridge homeowners were not innocent, please explain why the police did not charge them with anything and why the stolen assault rifle was not recovered. I suspect that the police received a bad tip, but who knows because the police are not talking about it. The police made a mistake. I make mistakes everyday, but I have the humility to admit them. The police do not.

Posted 11:19 AM, 08.01.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

Flash bangs are used when needed. And since that STOLEN FROM A POLICE CAR, ON A POLICE MAINTENANCE LOT RIFLE was not at the home when SWAT made entry, does that mean it wasn't there earlier in the day?

Posted 11:39 AM, 08.01.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

And so wait, let me get this straight: The SWAT team goes into houses as a team. They all have their own job. One guy or guys breach the door and so on. And you are suggesting that one member of the SWAT team should be Mace Guy? And they'd have to of course put him in the front right? Because the dog would come first, and we'd need Mace Guy to be there to mace it? So he goes in first, looking for the dog......and then here comes the resident with that assault rifle locked and loaded, and opens fire on Mace Guy who feebly deploys his mace and hopes that it covers more ground than the 8ft or so limit that it says on the canister.......right?

Posted 12:13 PM, 08.01.09 | Permalink

user milton says...

I don't know who stole the rifle, and the police do not either. The rifle was stolen from an unattended police car that was parked on a residential street. It was not recovered at the house in Elkridge. When or if the Elkridge case goes to trial, or if the police ever recover the weapon, perhaps we will learn more. I never suggested that one person be the "mace guy". I suggested that every member of the team have mace mounted on the end of their rifles. I am sure there are dozens of other ways to incorporate non-lethal weapons into the hands of SWAT team members without compromising the saftety of the team. If you are simply going to twist my words to create straw men that can attack, trying to have an intelligent conversation with you is a waste of my time.

Posted 12:25 PM, 08.01.09 | Permalink

user says...

Milton, Milton, Milton. See thats just it: It wasn't an intelligent conversation or suggestion. Putting mace on the end of a rifle.....so then they get two triggers? Orrrrrr, what? You put out something ridiculous, I dissected it, and you run from actually being realistic. You just want to sit in your comfortable chair and throw out all the reasons why cops screwed up, like so many other people. If there are dozens of other ways, then name one. You just dont like being called upon I guess. So many on here have no clue what those guys do or go through. Every traffic stop, every domestic, every business alarm, every suspicious vehicle etc etc they go to, HoCo cops risk their lives. They never know what they're walking into-- And they do it voluntarily. Then on top of that they have to deal with people like those on here, who the last confrontation they had were either from their compfy seat during their online gaming or back in grade school when someone took their lunch money. The police get what seems like a good tip on who STOLE A POLICE RIFLE OUT OF A POLICE VEHICLE, and they should take it serious, guns drawn. Anyone who says different should take up permanent residence in a hospital. So in other words, you, and others really have no clue what you're talking about, in any aspect of this incident, or that career.

Posted 3:46 PM, 08.01.09 | Permalink

user milton says...

Are you suggesting that the police are not capable of using mace and a firearm? Might they get the two mixed up? You, sir, have very low opinion of the police. Look, the point of all this is that the police need to expand their toolbox of non-lethal force. If you think that shooting dogs in the home of innocent people is business as usual, you are part of the problem, not the solution. The police do a fine job- most of the time. When they make mistakes- as we all do- they need to admit them, be completely open with the public, and take steps to prevent them from happening again. What part of that don't you agree with? You can spin this into a cops vs. the public match, but it's not about that. I am not against the cops at all. I just hold them to the same standards that I would hold anyone else.

Posted 4:14 PM, 08.01.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

Nice try MILT, but it's called muscle memory. You are slowly, but surely losing all credibility, and showing your foolishness. I have a VERY high opinion of police but it seems in comparison I have a logical opinion too. You will NEVER, I repeat NEVER see any police officer with two different weapons, one non-lethal, in hand, ala Rambo. That was how the guy in Oakland got shot, when the officer thought he was going to taser him. He pulled the trigger thinking he would tase but shot instead. Muscle memory. Thats the vocab for today. Thats also why police are taught trigger finger index, where the index finger goes along the side of a firearm, and not on the trigger, until they are ready to fire. So that if they have to pull on a car door, they dont simultaneously pull the trigger too. It's what happens in the human world, it's saying police are highly trained, but not robots. You are speaking of something you know ABSOLUTELY nothing about. I would however love to see people like you in a life or death situation, where you better make sure and switch to your mace for the dog, all the while watching that skinny hallway or dark room with your rifle so that you can shoot first if you see someone with a gun and protect yourself and your fellow officers, but oh yeah dont forget about all those closet doors, the adjoining hallway, the other 3 dark bedrooms and the stairs to the basement. I am a dog lover. I have a great dane, and two french bulldogs. I never like to see a dog go down. But unfortunately, HoCoPD got a good tip, good enough for a no-knock warrant, and entered a house where they fully expected to find an assault rifle waiting for them. Unfortunately it was already gone, or not there. But at that moment, in those precious few seconds when everything went crazy, an old big dog, or maybe a vicious snapping dog came at them. It was unfortunate. So what would you have liked? A news conference apologizing for killing the dog? Thats what needed to happen? I'm sorry, but apologizing to the family is enough. They dont need to apologize to all of the county. And for the last FREAKING TIME. Innocent people?????????? Do you know how many younger adults deal and or do drugs in the homes of their unsuspecting parents or grandparents????? Foolishness, absolute foolishness. Desk jockey's ride once again.

Posted 4:37 PM, 08.01.09 | Permalink

user milton says...

Let me repeat my question, as it was not rhetorical: The police do a fine job- most of the time. When they make mistakes- as we all do- they need to admit them, be completely open with the public, and take steps to prevent them from happening again. What part of that don't you agree with?

Posted 4:49 PM, 08.01.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

Let me repeat my answer: " Apologizing to the family is enough. They dont need to apologize to all of the county." And added to that, is if an apology is warranted. Just because people proclaim innocence, does not mean it is true, for the last time. And for what my opinion is for steps to prevent that from happening again, are all listed before that, in my lengthy previous post.

Posted 4:58 PM, 08.01.09 | Permalink

user milton says...

Perhaps your anger is not allowing you to think clearly. You seem to think that I asked if the police should apologize. I don’t care about an apology. It sounds to me like you think that the police should not admit their mistakes, should not be open with the public, and forgive me, but you did not name a single way in which the police could prevent this from happening again. Is that a fair assessment of your comments, officer?

Posted 5:45 PM, 08.01.09 | Permalink

user mutangclan says...

Hah, good one Milt, you get more adorable by the second. What you think things sound like is so obviously jaded, its a good thing you aren't in a position of authority. Why would I list ways to prevent something from happening, when it's never even been put out that there was a mistake made? If you're simply referring to a dog getting shot, well, those things could very well happen in the future. If you're referring to those "victim-innocent-homeowners", then why don't you do yourself a favor and see how many other suits that family has had against the county. And while you're at it, check the criminal history of those who also inhabit that home, or spend time at that home. And then call me in the morning. Just after you arm-chair quarterback your favorite team AFTER the game.

Posted 12:42 AM, 08.02.09 | Permalink

user couchnap says...

Why are they using a swat team to get marijuana? Why are the highest trained officers in the department raiding a house to arrest a guy for pot possesion? Isn't there a better use for the swat team? Was the guy dangerous? I don't see why they spent time and money and caused a dangerous situation just to arrest a guy for pot possesion. If this county is ripe with gang activity and serious crime isn't there a better way to utilize the county's resources? Police have a tough job but you can't let their mistakes slide. If you could, there job wouldn't be so tough. Either they made the mistake of relying on bad information when they conducted the raid or they decided to raid a house to take one more bong off the street. Either way I think they made a mistake. Is the family to blame? Based on the facts in the story? No. If they knew there guest was a drug dealer or a wanted man then they invited some hardship into their lives but if they didn't know that or, at worst, they knew he was a pot user then they didn't deserve what happened to them. If cops need to do a raid then they need to do a raid but that means knowing with absolute certainty it is worth it. A raid means that everyone in the building there raiding is going to be assaulted. I don't use "assaulted" in a legal sense, but to describe how those people will feel afterwards. When cops raid people are put up against walls or face down on the floor, screamed at, manhandled and dominated and if they don't comply immediately then they can get hurt. There is no other way for cops to do a raid. It also means that they'll likely have to kill a dog if they see one. Most dogs will get aggressive when someone kicks the door into there home. They're dogs. That's one of the great things about them: they protect you. So police better consider their tips reliable enough to warrant the damage they'll do and make sure it's worth it. Killing a dog and scaring a family to arrest a suspect with an agg assault warrant out for him is worth it. Doing all that damage for a bong is not.

Posted 4:39 AM, 08.02.09 | Permalink

user couchnap says...

Why are they using a swat team to get marijuana? Why are the highest trained officers in the department raiding a house to arrest a guy for pot possesion? Isn't there a better use for the swat team? Was the guy dangerous? I don't see why they spent time and money and caused a dangerous situation just to arrest a guy for pot possesion. If this county is ripe with gang activity and serious crime isn't there a better way to utilize the county's resources? Police have a tough job but you can't let their mistakes slide. If you could, there job wouldn't be so tough. Either they made the mistake of relying on bad information when they conducted the raid or they decided to raid a house to take one more bong off the street. Either way I think they made a mistake. Is the family to blame? Based on the facts in the story? No. If they knew there guest was a drug dealer or a wanted man then they invited some hardship into their lives but if they didn't know that or, at worst, they knew he was a pot user then they didn't deserve what happened to them. If cops need to do a raid then they need to do a raid but that means knowing with absolute certainty it is worth it. A raid means that everyone in the building there raiding is going to be assaulted. I don't use "assaulted" in a legal sense, but to describe how those people will feel afterwards. When cops raid people are put up against walls or face down on the floor, screamed at, manhandled and dominated and if they don't comply immediately then they can get hurt. There is no other way for cops to do a raid. It also means that they'll likely have to kill a dog if they see one. Most dogs will get aggressive when someone kicks the door into there home. They're dogs. That's one of the great things about them: they protect you. So police better consider their tips reliable enough to warrant the damage they'll do and make sure it's worth it. Killing a dog and scaring a family to arrest a suspect with an agg assault warrant out for him is worth it. Doing all that damage for a bong is not.

Posted 4:44 AM, 08.02.09 | Permalink