ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The family of a man shot and killed by police in New Mexico is suing the city and three officers. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, alleges that the officers mistakenly responded to the wrong address, depriving the family of their civil rights.
The incident occurred in Farmington, New Mexico, on the night of April 5. The officers received a domestic violence call from a home across the street and mistakenly showed up at the plaintiffs’ home. According to the lawsuit, the officers’ actions that night were unreasonable and put the family at risk.
The lawsuit states that Robert Dotson, a 52-year-old man, and his wife were upstairs when they heard a knock. Thinking it was related to the domestic violence call, Dotson went downstairs, grabbed his handgun, and opened the door. The officers, who had their flashlights trained on the door, opened fire, shooting Dotson 12 times.
The lawsuit claims that the officers’ actions demonstrated “an utter and reckless disregard and conscious indifference for the rights of plaintiffs and the life of Robert Dotson.” It also alleges that the police chief’s agency failed to cooperate with New Mexico State Police investigators.
Video footage from the family’s front door camera showed the officers backing away as Dotson opened the door. The officers had mistakenly shown up at the wrong house due to a mapping error. After the shooting, other officers arrived at the scene and took Dotson’s wife and children to the station for questioning, instead of acknowledging the mistake.
The lawsuit raises questions about training and oversight within the Farmington Police Department. The family’s lawyers are seeking damages and hope to deter other cities and police departments from similar conduct.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
