Ruby Johnson, a Black grandmother, has been awarded significant compensation after her house was mistakenly targeted by a SWAT team in Colorado, resulting in a distressing experience.
With the support of the ACLU of Colorado, 78-year-old Ruby Johnson filed a lawsuit against Denver PD Detective Gary Staab and Sgt. Gregory Buschy, accusing them of violating her constitutional rights in relation to an incident in January 2022.
According to the ACLU, the two officers obtained a search warrant for Johnson’s home hastily and without sufficient probable cause. The warrant was issued based on an iPhone’s “Find My” app location, leading the SWAT team to raid Johnson’s house in full military gear and armed with loaded rifles.
Body camera footage captured the scene as officers descended on her home, instructing everyone to exit. Ms. Johnson, the only person inside, came out in her robe, slippers, and bonnet, visibly confused by the heavy police presence.
Despite Johnson’s lack of knowledge about any stolen firearms, the officers conducted a thorough search, with one officer even questioning, “Where do you think she’s hiding the rifle?” However, no incriminating evidence was found, vindicating Ms. Johnson.
The jury ruled decisively, awarding $1.26 million in compensatory damages and an additional $2.5 million in punitive damages, convinced that the officers showed reckless disregard for Ms. Johnson’s constitutional rights against unlawful search and seizure.
It was found that the warrant lacked necessary probable cause, contrary to the Colorado Constitution, which requires warrants to be based on probable cause supported by a written affidavit before entering someone’s home.
According to the ACLU, the traumatic event left lasting scars on both Johnson and her home. Johnson, a resident of 43 years, lost her sense of security and eventually decided to move, as indicated by Tim Macdonald, Legal Director of the ACLU of Colorado.
The settlement is intended to bring some justice to Johnson and emphasize the importance of upholding constitutional rights for all individuals.
“While this is a small step towards justice for Ms. Johnson, it sets a crucial precedent under our state’s Constitution, confirming that law enforcement can be held accountable for unlawfully entering someone’s home,” stated to NBC News.
SOURCE: theroot.com
