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Cop's bullet aimed at barking dog hits owner instead
Madison Record ^ | 12/08/2009 | Madison Record

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.


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Government
KEYWORDS: doginator; donutwatch
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1 posted on 12/08/2009 3:31:19 PM PST by The Magical Mischief Tour
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour

“Only cops and the military should have guns.”


2 posted on 12/08/2009 3:32:17 PM PST by wastedyears (You tell 'em I'm coming, and Hell's coming with me! - Wyatt Earp)
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour

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.


3 posted on 12/08/2009 3:34:40 PM PST by driftdiver (I could eat it raw, but why do that when I have a fire.)
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour
"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."

Methinks Officer Williams needs to find a new line of work. One that does not involve guns or pointy objects.

4 posted on 12/08/2009 3:35:29 PM PST by Ronin
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour

What a stupid thing to have done. And just because a dog barked.


5 posted on 12/08/2009 3:35:44 PM PST by SatinDoll (NO Foreign Nationals as our President!!)
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour

Too bad it wasn’t a ricochet back to the shooter.


6 posted on 12/08/2009 3:35:58 PM PST by randomhero97 ("First you want to kill me, now you want to kiss me. Blow!" - Ash)
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour

If you are scared of dogs don’t be a cop. For a lot of home owners dogs are their security guards


7 posted on 12/08/2009 3:36:58 PM PST by dennisw
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To: Ronin
The worst part of this whole incident was he really was aiming at the kid.

He's probably one of those liberal Madisonites who abhor guns.

8 posted on 12/08/2009 3:39:06 PM PST by Recon Dad ( SSgt O - 3rd Afghanistan Deployment - Day 49)
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour

Ruh-Roe.


9 posted on 12/08/2009 3:39:44 PM PST by DallasDeb (USAFA '06 Mom)
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To: SatinDoll
What a stupid thing to have done. And just because a dog barked.

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.

10 posted on 12/08/2009 3:42:35 PM PST by SeeSharp
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour

She called the cops.

“Never invite ‘The Man’ into your life.”

Learn it, live it.


11 posted on 12/08/2009 3:43:04 PM PST by SJSAMPLE
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour

Police acted stupidly. Get ready for a dog bone summit.


12 posted on 12/08/2009 3:47:57 PM PST by Pajama Blogger (Pajama Power)
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour

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.


13 posted on 12/08/2009 3:49:56 PM PST by spodefly (This is my tag line. There are many like it, but this one is mine.)
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour

“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.


14 posted on 12/08/2009 3:50:12 PM PST by Blue Collar Christian ( What happened to my tag line?)
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To: Blue Collar Christian

I suprised it took the jack-boot apologists this long to show up.


15 posted on 12/08/2009 3:55:19 PM PST by randomhero97 ("First you want to kill me, now you want to kiss me. Blow!" - Ash)
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To: SatinDoll

I agree.


16 posted on 12/08/2009 3:59:20 PM PST by freekitty (Give me back my conservative vote; then find me a real conservative to vote for)
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To: Blue Collar Christian

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.


17 posted on 12/08/2009 4:00:17 PM PST by MediaMole
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To: driftdiver

He’s supposed to SHOOT THE DOG BEFORE ENTERING.


18 posted on 12/08/2009 4:00:57 PM PST by muawiyah (Git Out The Way)
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To: Blue Collar Christian

“I love dogs, “

But you’re ok with police shooting people without cause?


19 posted on 12/08/2009 4:02:43 PM PST by driftdiver (I could eat it raw, but why do that when I have a fire.)
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To: SJSAMPLE

There is not single situation that cannot be made worse by adding a cop.


20 posted on 12/08/2009 4:03:28 PM PST by driftdiver (I could eat it raw, but why do that when I have a fire.)
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