Posted on 12/08/2009 3:31:18 PM PST by The Magical Mischief Tour
A woman has filed suit against the Washington Park police officer who she says accidentally shot her in the leg.
Linda Hicks claims she called police to her house at 5731 Portland on Dec. 1, 2008, to request that her son be removed due to his disruptive behavior.
Responding to Hicks' request, defendant Washington Park police officer Donald Williams arrived at Hicks' residence where he arrested Hicks' son for an outstanding warrant, according to the complaint filed Nov. 30 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
"As the officers were taking the plaintiff's son to the squad car, plaintiff's dog barked at Officer Williams," the suit states. "Apparently startled, Williams discharged his official firearm twice in the direction of the dog. The bullet or the ricochet of the bullet struck plaintiff in the leg."
Because of the incident, Hicks sustained temporary and permanent injuries, incurred medical costs and has been prevented from attending to her usual duties, the complaint says.
Hicks blames Williams for discharging his firearm contrary to policy, for discharging his firearm when he knew it would result in injury and for discharging his firearm in the absence of a threat to him.
The village of Washington Park is also named as a defendant because it is allegedly liable for Williams' actions.
In the two-count suit, Hicks seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.
She will be represented by Philip B. Afeld and Lanny Darr of Schrempf, Kelly, Napp and Darr in Alton.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-639.
“Only cops and the military should have guns.”
accident? no negligent.
any else not a cop would have charges pressed against them.
never mind he was trying to shoot a dog that apparently wasnt a threat.
Methinks Officer Williams needs to find a new line of work. One that does not involve guns or pointy objects.
What a stupid thing to have done. And just because a dog barked.
Too bad it wasn’t a ricochet back to the shooter.
If you are scared of dogs don’t be a cop. For a lot of home owners dogs are their security guards
He's probably one of those liberal Madisonites who abhor guns.
Ruh-Roe.
There is a culture among police officers that it is OK to shoot dogs. I think some of them look for opportunities to do so.
Of course, one does actually need to point the gun directly at the dog, not just in that general direction.
She called the cops.
“Never invite ‘The Man’ into your life.”
Learn it, live it.
Police acted stupidly. Get ready for a dog bone summit.
Like many law enforcement officers, he had been waiting for a chance make it to the “Hush Puppy Hall of Fame”, but got a little excited and missed.
Not to worry. There will be a raid on the wrong house next week and he will get another chance.
“Apparently startled, Williams discharged his official firearm twice in the direction of the dog. The bullet or the ricochet of the bullet struck plaintiff (dog owner) in the leg.”
It has been my experience, that the owners of unruly dogs are the problem, not the dogs. The bullet ended up where it belonged. Maybe she should be ordered to take the money she is awarded from her lawsuit and get some advice on how to keep her dogs in line.
I love dogs, but have a bit of trouble with stupid people.
I suprised it took the jack-boot apologists this long to show up.
I agree.
Being startled by a dog is not the same as being attacked by a dog. If the dog isn’t a threat to the officer, the dog should not be shot.
A female officer in Milwaukee shot a cocker spaniel because it was running along the sidewalk toward its owner, an elderly woman the officer was speaking with.
He’s supposed to SHOOT THE DOG BEFORE ENTERING.
“I love dogs, “
But you’re ok with police shooting people without cause?
There is not single situation that cannot be made worse by adding a cop.
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