Posted on 05/16/2003 2:55:01 PM PDT by Unknown Freeper
(Harlem-WABC, May 16, 2003) — Police smashed down an apartment door and used a flash grenade in their search for a potentially dangerous suspect. But it was the wrong apartment, and the woman who lived inside is now dead after suffering a heart attack.
Police smashed down an apartment door and used a flash grenade in their search for a potentially dangerous suspect. But it was the wrong apartment, and the woman who lived inside is now dead after suffering a heart attack.
What happened at 310 W. 143rd Street was meant to be the end result of a drug investigation based on confidential information from a police informant. But it is now among the most tragic errors of the NYPD.
Lucille Ross, Building Resident: "She was such a lovely person. If something was to happen with her like this, I want to know why."
The search warrant was apparently issued for apartment 6F in the multi-unit building. It was the home of Alberta Spruill.
Today Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said it was based on what investigators thought was reliable information. But it all turned out to be a terrible mistake.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly: "Entry was made by officers from our Emergency Services Unit who used a flash grenade during that entry. Once inside the officers found the occupant, a 57-year-old woman, identified as Alberta Spruill. She was briefly handcuffed while police conducted a cursory search of the apartment. The patrol captain then entered, and saw that the apartment did not match the description given by the informant, and immediately ordered that the handcuffs be removed."
The commissioner said Ms. Spruill soon told officers she had a heart condition, and then complained of chest pains. EMS was called to the scene and administered aid. But Ms. Spruill died a short time later at Harlem Hospital.
Commissioner Ray Kelly: "On behalf of the entire New York City Police Department, I want to offer my condolences and sympathy to the family of Alberta Spruill. I also want to offer my apology. This is indeed a profound tragedy."
Calvin Alston, Building Resident: "We're all just devestated. Really devestated. Because this is a woman that got up and went to church every day ... went to work every day. And we're all just devestated that this would happen to someone like this."
Police Commissioner Kelly did say a "flash grenade" was used at apartment 6F before officers entered. It may be the use of that flash grenade broke procedure. The ESU lieutenant who used it is now on administrative leave pending the investigation. Those grenades have been used 85 times this year.
And NYPD tells us only four mistakes out of 1,900 search warrants have been made this year. The investigation of this tragedy continues.
Right. It would be much more sensible to let people who aleady can't control themselves indulge in even greater drug use. Imagine how competent and capable our society would be then. Maybe we could advance the "progressive" agenda, like we have with condoms, and just start handing PCP, Crystal Meth, Cocaine and LCD out to all of the children to "try" in D.A.R.E.???
You win he least logical argument award for the day. Congratulations.
I don't have a clue what you are talking about..
Yikes....
Ever hear of Oxycontin? Vicodin? Just two example of nice, legal drugs that people use to get high. I'll bet nobody would kick in your door and throw in a flash grenade if you have some of that in your home and are using it to get high.
Actually, I was thinking of you, but it isn't my fault. If it wasn't for the bible thumping crazies who hear voices in their heads telling them to go out and murder prostitutes, I'd think you were normal.
I'd slightly recharacterize the first group: it contains two subgroups: (1) people who can be convinced to try and use illegal drugs; (2) people who will, if there's enough money in it, go through the risk of convincing others to use drugs and supplying them with product.
I know of no way of eliminating subgroup (1). As for subgroup (2), just about anybody will do just about anything if there's enough money in it.
To put it another way, the fundamental drug users exist is that human beings are corruptible. Unless one can change the nature of humanity, drug users will always exist.
Therefore, eliminating problem (1) is no more plausible than eliminating earthquakes.
"We had to destroy the village in order to save it."
You cheer this woman's death as collateral damage? That's low even for you.
I hate to break this news to you, but the majority of the rank and file LEOS out there will tell you in private, the WOD is an epic waste of time, police resources, and tax payer money, and will never be "won".
Well, if she really had nothing to hide she shouldn't have gotten so excited about having her door busted down.
< /sarcasm >
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