A federal judge has dismissed part of a lawsuit that accused police in New Mexico of violating constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures when they fatally shot a man after showing up at the wrong address.

cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/38426659

The shooting of Robert Dotson, 52, in the northwestern New Mexico city of Farmington prompted a civil lawsuit by his family members, though public prosecutors found there was no basis to pursue criminal charges against officers after a review of events. The suit alleged that the family was deprived of its civil rights and officers acted unreasonably.

Hearing a knock at the door late on April 5, 2023, Dotson put on a robe, went downstairs and grabbed a handgun before answering. Police outside shined a flashlight as Dotson appeared and raised the firearm before three police officers opened fire, killing him. Dotson did not shoot.

“Ultimately, given the significant threat Dotson posed when he pointed his firearm at officers … the immediacy of that threat, the proximity between Dotson and the defendant officers, and considering that the events unfolded in only a few seconds, the court finds that the defendant officers reasonably applied deadly force,” U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Garcia said in a written court opinion.

  • Maalus@lemmy.worldBanned from community
    36·
    8 hours ago

    You have a right to hold a gun in your home. You don’t have a right to point said gun at people at your door. No matter if this was a cop or not.

    Seriously, people lose all common sense once cops are involved because acab. When the reality often is “you are trying to defend a dude that pulled a gun on people who were at his door”.

    • baines@lemmy.cafeEnglish
      3·
      5 hours ago

      you come to his door late at night?, don’t announce yourself, multiple unknown people in a group, shine a light in his face and it’s his fault the reaction is to point his gun? stupid fucks were not even at the right location

      this shit should have been done in broad daylight if they are going to be so incompetent

      the beginning of your second sentence sure is correct lol…

        • baines@lemmy.cafeEnglish
          11·
          3 hours ago

          lol it’s ok to show up at the wrong person’s house, unannounced, in a group, armed but the home owner in his rightful home is the idiot?

          police procedure caused this, police action murdered him

          you can continue to lick boots but we don’t have to listen to your bullshit

          • Maalus@lemmy.worldBanned from community
            1·
            3 hours ago

            It’s totally ok to point your gun at people, according to you.