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St. Paul police kill two dogs
A no-knock search warrant was executed on Larry Lee Arman’s home in St. Paul on July 9, 2014. Arman’s two children and girlfriend were also present in the home at the time the search warrant was executed. The two children were on the main level in the line of fire when the SWAT team barged, unannounced into the home. The family’s two dogs were shot and killed by police during the encounter. The search warrant was for weapons and drugs in the home. The officers claimed that they feared for their safety. They also thought they were entering a dangerous situation. Clothing, a glass bong, and suspected marijuana remnants in a metal grinder, however, were the only items taken during the raid.
- When is a No Knock Warrant Allowed ?
A no-knock search warrant is usually issued when the police believe that evidence inside the home may be destroyed if the occupants are given advance warning. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.” An experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney will be able to look into whether a no-knock warrant was properly issued and whether it was properly executed. Arguably, since a no-knock warrant was issued, the police had reason to believe evidence was going to be destroyed if they gave notice to the people inside the house in the above case. Therefore, the police should have also had reason to know that there were two young children and dogs in the home. The police should have been on notice and acted accordingly. This is an unfortunate situation that could have easily been avoided had the police done their due diligence.
If you or anyone else knows of a crime that involved evidence taken as a result of a search warrant, call Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation ASAP. We can determine if the evidence seized was illegally taken from you. Further, you may also have a civil claim against the police for unlawful force. Call ASAP for the best Minnesota Legal Help you can get.
