Police Storm Wrong Apartment, Resident Dies of Heart Attack

WABC News NYC ^ | May 16, 2003 | Art McFarland

[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.

[Unknown Freeper]

Prayers for this woman and her family.

[coloradan]

Still more tragic casualties in the senseless War On (some) Drugs.

[Unknown Freeper]

Ping

[ambrose]

Charming.

Another victory for the "shoot first and ask questions later" crowd.

[NorthGA]

I am not a policeman - so I cannot answer from their perspective - but these knockdown violent entries seem to cause unintentional death and injury far too often.

[Senator Pardek]

If it keeps one joint out of a kid's mouth, her death was worth it.

[cavtrooper21]

A very sad thing, and even worse, this happens more often then any of us realizes...
But, "... move along folks, nothing to see here...."
The war on drugs is just a training exercise for the "War on America" that looms ahead. Protect your rights, or there is a good chance that you to will be "... a terrrible mistake..."
Wite you congress critter and abolish "no knock" search warrants!!!
The life you save may be your own!

[cavtrooper21]

Ah... my spelling reeks.
That would be "Write your Congress Critter..."
Sorry.

[duk]

Same thing happened here a few years ago. You think a RECON of the area, (physical & electronic) would prevent bad raids.

[Blood of Tyrants]

They said they were sorry. What else can you expect?

[templar]

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.

With as many mistakes, perhaps I should say as many fatal mistakes, as seem to occur with "confidential information " from sources described only as a "police informant", you'd think that the cops would start checking out these addresses before attacking.

Wonder if the same "informant" is responsible in every case? You know, he just sorta goes around the country tricking various police depts. into invading innocent homes and killing innocent people for the fun of it?

[TLBSHOW]

DISGUSTING

[SSN558]

"If it keeps one joint out of a kid's mouth, her death was worth it."

Do you really know how police informants work ? Most get a check from the law enforcement agency. They then take that check and promptly spend it on illegal drugs. Others are drug dealers that should have been locked up, but made a deal to stay out of jail. Those continue to sell drugs.

[A CA Guy]

A special effects grenade shouldn't be able to kill a normal healthy person. They would use that in riot control as well.
I wonder what pre-existing condition caused her poor health.

This lady must have been health wise a walking time bomb.

[A CA Guy]

Another tragic death because of people using illegal drugs and forcing enforcement of law.

They need to throw all their drugs away and live a normal life. Pray for all the illegal drug users and dealers that God help them get straight.

[george wythe]

Two cheers for the War on [some] Drugs?

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.

[yarddog]

Well saying they were sorry is more than most get.

[A CA Guy]

That is a special effects grenade, not a gun.

She has to be in horrible health to have that happen.

It is ashame these illegal drug users can't follow the law and sober up as to stop these side deaths, they are as selfish as they come.

[yarddog]

I am extremely anti-drug but this was in no way the fault of the old lady. It is the fault of the overzealous cops.

[steveo]

At least they didn't shoot her dog.