Police burst into wrong apartmentOfficers led to think murder suspect lived in unit By Andy Paras (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Officers led to think murder suspect lived in unit 
Melissa Haneline A bedroom door shows signs of forced entry in the apartment of Tina Williams (left) and daughter Brandie, 15. Hanahan police forced their way into the apartment Sunday December 30 with a search warrant for a murder suspect who they mistakenly thought lived there. HANAHAN — Brandie Williams sat on the couch of her family's apartment Sunday morning when someone pounded on the door and a voice shouted, "This is the Hanahan Police Department! Open up!" The 15-year-old girl on Wednesday said she didn't have a chance to answer the door when police officers searching for a homicide suspect kicked it open and ordered her to the ground at gunpoint. Working quickly, the officers then kicked a hole in the bedroom door where Brandie's mother, Tina, was asleep. Tina Williams said she was forced to her knees with two guns pointed at her face while her 13-year-old son, Brandon, was forced onto his stomach, a gun trained on his back. When all three were cuffed, an officer asked Tina Williams if she knew any Hispanic males. Williams was baffled. It all turned out to be a mistake. The officers, looking for one of three suspects in the fatal shooting of a man at the OK Corral about six hours earlier, had obtained a search warrant for the Williams' apartment after a witness told them a suspect lived inside. Hanahan Police Lt. Michael Fowler said Wednesday that they had received bad information and apologized to the Williams family — but they can't apologize for why they did it. "We hit the door fully expecting an armed murder suspect on the other side," Fowler said. Tina Williams said the incident has traumatized her family, and she questions why it ever happened. She can't sleep, Brandie couldn't talk for two days and Brandon now fears the police, she said. "I didn't care about me, but they treated my kids like dogs," Tina Williams said. "What if one of those guns had gone off?" Fowler said they did have their guns displayed but denied that officers ever pointed the guns at the woman and her children. "We did not put guns to their heads," Fowler said. Williams said the officers should have done more to verify who lived inside the Sedgefield apartment where she and her family have lived for more than a year. She said three Hispanic men live in her building — one of several white buildings with red shutters in the complex — but hers was the only door that was knocked down. She's especially puzzled because she said she and her family knew at least three of the officers who raided the apartment — including one officer who had been in their home less than two weeks earlier to take a written statement from Brandie, who had been a witness to an unrelated crime. "If they had done a proper investigation, they would have known he didn't live here," Tina Williams said. The shooting happened inside the Hispanic club on Remount Road between 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. A 23-year-old Hispanic male, whose name still has not been released, was pronounced dead inside. Fowler said a Hispanic witness took a bilingual officer to the Williams apartment and pointed to it, indicating that one of the suspects lived there. Fowler said they took that and other information to a judge, who decided they had enough probable cause to enter the apartment. At 10:25 a.m., after obtaining the search warrant, officers knocked in the door. "It turns out he was wrong," Fowler said of the suspect. "We just got bad information." Fowler denied that the same officer who had talked to Brandie 11 days earlier entered their apartment during the raid, saying the family might have confused him with another officer. Fowler said they immediately began to knock on the neighbors' doors once they realized the mistake because they didn't have warrants to enter those apartments. He said none of the Williams' neighbors were involved in the shooting. He said he told the apartment complex to send the police department the bill for the door an officer kicked through in the Williams' apartment. "We're embarrassed about it," Fowler said. "Obviously we made a mistake. But we owe it to the victim and the victim's family to approach it like a murder suspect was inside. I'm not going to apologize for trying to catch a murder suspect." Fowler said police were close to identifying all three suspects. He could not be reached Wednesday night to confirm reports that a warrant had been issued for one of the suspects. Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 118 comment(s)
Posted by chucktonian on January 3, 2008 at 3:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Eh..mistakes happen. I am sure she'll file a lawsuit.
Posted by jmw29410 on January 3, 2008 at 4:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What The (BLEEP!) is it with Hanahan Cops now? They make like Delta Force when they hook up with other agencies to raid Pappy's, and now stuff like this? I shudder to think what will happen on the day I toss something at a trash can and miss. I'm more fearful of (chuckle) Hanahan's Finest than I am of the lowlifes on the street!
Or should we call it Klanahan?
Posted by pirate42 on January 3, 2008 at 5:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DAM cops get your facts straight before you bust into peoples homes one day your ass may get shot in the head.
Posted by bwelch on January 3, 2008 at 5:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
all she is doing is trying to get the community on her side. so when she files a lawsuit she has a better chance to get some money she didnt earn. all the community gets is more tickets, fines, and taxes to pay for this crap.
Posted by mac0cm4 on January 3, 2008 at 6:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mistakes do happen. Bad information lead to it, and the search warrants was signed by a judge. Really, the judge also shares a good deal of the blame. If the judge had not determined there was enough probable cause to sign the search warrant, this likely would not have happened. Had their informant spoken English, perhaps they would have been better able to obtain the proper information needed without relying on an interpreter - there's always something lost when using an interpreter.
While it does suck to think that the police can just bust in, you have to remember they had a search warrant, and they believed they were doing the right thing. No one got hurt, just a few people got 'scared' (who wouldn't, at least initially). They should at least think that the police are making an effort to catch a murder suspect instead of letting him roam free.
Posted by 10216340 on January 3, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks mac0m4 for the voice of reason.
Posted by txpayergrandad on January 3, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Slow down Fast Draw Fowler. You're going to get someone killed with your Rambo tactics. This is Hanahan, not Dodge City.
Posted by Mayor on January 3, 2008 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Andy and Barney with a search warrant! "Citizen's Arrest, Citizen's Arrest." Remember Gomer running after Barney and yelling that? I hope they fixed the door for free, bet they didn't even think about it. Nice draft through the house yesterday though. I guess Andy Savage will get a call, you can't call Bill Green for this one. Hanahan police are in way over their heads. They couldn't detect dog crap on their shoes!
Posted by mggoose2000 on January 3, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just the results of a neighborhood going down because of the rif raf moving in.
Hispanic male? Is he an illegal alien? Are there illegals living in the complex?
If the people that live there know that they are illegal and don't report it, then you get this as a result.
I'm sure the Hanahan Police Department will be sued and the taxpayers and the motorvehicle operators driving thru the fair city of Hanahan will end up paying for it.
While we are talking about the Hanahan Police and their tactics; what's up with sitting in the center turn lane at the top of the hill on N. Rhett with radar to catch a speeder?
If I parked in the center turn lane, my truck would be towed and I'd be ticketed. Are you reading this, Hanahan Police Department?
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on January 3, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Who do you think is lying, here? The family or the cops?
"She's especially puzzled because she said she and her family knew at least three of the officers who raided the apartment — including one officer who had been in their home less than two weeks earlier to take a written statement from Brandie, who had been a witness to an unrelated crime."
"Fowler denied that the same officer who had talked to Brandie 11 days earlier entered their apartment during the raid, saying the family might have confused him with another officer."
Either way, even if they had been to their apartment in the past, that doesn't exactly prove that there isn't another person that lives there. Maybe he wasn't home that day. Maybe he is a friend of the family that they are harboring. The police department's reaction really can't be faulted. Yes, they busted into the wrong house, but atleast they are actively trying to capture a murderer. Some think just because a hispanic man, legal or not, was killed it shouldn't be a priority. Murder is murder, regardless of race.
Who do you think is lying in this situation:
"...ordered her to the ground at gunpoint"
"Tina Williams said she was forced to her knees with two guns pointed at her face while her 13-year-old son, Brandon, was forced onto his stomach, a gun trained on his back."
"Fowler said they did have their guns displayed but denied that officers ever pointed the guns at the woman and her children."
Woman looking to file a lawsuit, or cops covering their a$$es?
Posted by suec on January 3, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
10:25 am and everyone is still in bed?
As for being traumatized? Puhleeze.
They rented the place expecting to confront a peraon who had shot a man 6 hours earlier.
Was the person they were looking for hispanic or black?
Posted by proud2bme on January 3, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This community should be thankful as hell that the cops are trying to catch the murder suspects before they kill again. The article states a whitness pointed at this particular apartment. I would be willing to bet anything that one ore more of the suspects have been seen in that apartment before.
This should be an opprtunity for mom to use as a way of showing her kids what happens to those that break the law and not teach them that cops are bad. They are human as we all are and do make mistakes.
I have never heard of a police officer pointing a gun to a child's head. I have officers in my family as well as officer friends.
Posted by havesense on January 3, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They can't apologize? That's ridiculous - what if the homeowners would have shot 1 of them & said "well, I can't apologize. After all they kicked my door in."
Hanahan PD is the laughing stock of all departments. Remember a few years back when the female officer SHOT HER PARTNER or when the Seargent (I know his name) beat a kid up (badly) at Hanahan high school. Look it up - you'll find it.
They've been on power trips for years now and it needs to be stopped. There is a problem & they need to be made an example of. Unfortunately we'll be the ones paying for it.
If everytime the police "think" something's going on they are allowed to do as they wish, then that gives them absolute domain & throws our Justice system out the window. You have to follow rules - think about it as if it were your house & kids they affected!
Idiots investigating a crime - it's hard to get good help offering a teacher's salary.
Posted by tadii on January 3, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Another great job by Hanahan's finest. PLEASE note my sarcasm!!! They should just stick to ticketing speeders for 1 MPH over the limit. Something they are very good at!!
Posted by lpyrbby on January 3, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First and foremost, I have found the Hanahan Police Department to be very responsive and helpful.
Second, these "raids" happen all the time throughout the country. HPD happened to make a mistake this time. But if they hadn't, you all would have been happy that the criminals had the sh*t scared out of them.
It sucks about what happened, it truly does. But, I choose to remain on the fence because I don't want any Law Enforcement Officer to get their panties in a wad and not protect me as well as they were trained to do for fear of repercussions.
Posted by proudmomma on January 3, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Early- it's Bill Green, not Al Green.
Posted by DCartisan on January 3, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW. By the tone of some of these posts it seems like the family should be happy and get over it. Like telling someone who has been violated or raped to be happy and hurry and get over it. Easier said than done for those of you that have never faced any situations even close to this. Just because you live in a certain part of town does not mean it is okay to have your door kicked in and guns pointed at you and the Internet doctors tell you and your kids to get over it and tell your kids that cops are great (until it happens to you & your family).
Bad information is one thing, blaming the innocent occupants for not being happy is another. Good grief some of these comments.
Also, please tell me why wouldn't the cops point the guns at the individuals if they suspect a MURDERER is in the apartment? If they did that at Stratford High, why wouldn't they do it while walking through a small apartment? I smell lies...
Posted by greyrider on January 3, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Before you get too upset, understand that there are cities across the country with double the violent crime rate as many lowcountry communities. A big reason why is they have police departments who are afraid to act because of incidents like this. Criminals know this, and are encouraged by it. Aggressive police departments are generally a GOOD thing. No one was hurt. Well-trained cops can execute a raid like this and restrain themselves (not firing a shot, not physically assaulting anyone) unless they find an actual armed suspect. You have to look at it from this standpoint. If one of those cops were your husband or father, you would want them to protect themselves, not be overly cautious just in case it was a mistake. ALso, if this woman ever calls the cops because someone breaks into her home, she'll WANT the cops to come thru the door in the same fashion.
Posted by AFWally on January 3, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't stress it enough, arm thyself heavily.....weapons always loaded and ready for combat.
Posted by ImplantedYankee on January 3, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm glad something was being done about the violence, but I think that the police need to get their facts straight before they go kicking in doors with guns drawn. Had the occupants been armed, this could have turned into a tragedy. Anyone remember Cory Maye?
Posted by DCartisan on January 3, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Early, it is a stretch comparing this to rape. I still think this has to be traumatizing to that family and some posters here think that becaause no one was shot that nothing really happened and the family should be fine with the entire incident. My wife is a psychologist and know first-hand about traumatic events and the effects it has on the mind.
I did not read anywhere where the lady said the cops shouldn't be looking for the suspect. She was terrified along with her kids. If someone busted into my bedroom while I was sleeping with my kids in the house I would probably have a heart attack. I may have even attempted to get my gun to protect my family. Thank God it wasn't my home.
Posted by greyrider on January 3, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DCartisan - I agree with your post, I just thought that what you said was obvious, and I was commenting on some people's knee jerk response to always attacking cops who have to play a very dangerous "guessing game" on a regular basis. I'm actually impressed that this kind of thing doesn't happen more often. It shows the lengths that Police go to to verify tips before acting on them.
Posted by lexylady on January 3, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Police made a mistake. Someone will get rich over it and it will probably happen again at some point unfortunately.. Please do not blame the Police for everything all of the time. Imagine a Society without the Police in it. Not many of us who are Law abiding citizens would last very long in this crime ridden world. When Police enter a building, house , or Apt, whatever the case may be, they have less than a nano-second to evaluate the situation and the people and the amount of people inside. Their life is on the line every second of every day.
My thought is that the person who physically pointed out that particular Apt. should be charged with false information. Then again maybe they really thought it was the right Apt. Then again, maybe they were retaliating against the girl that lived there for reporting a crime a couple of weeks before. Who knows!!!
Posted by scottyb on January 3, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is anyone really shocked by Hanahan Police? I have asked officers to try to slow down cars that think just cause the road is straight that it's not a dragstrip,but nothing done about that. Also, when did the 3 second rule not apply @ stop signs? My wife stopped @ one looked both ways and was pulled for failure to stop.
Posted by disco on January 3, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think it's just Hanahan's cops that are SC's finest. This whole area has a problem with law enforcement. Underpaid, undertrained & they will hire anyone who is willing. My brother lives next to a Dorchester county cop who is a functioning alcoholic, so believe me, they are everywhere.
Posted by soul2soul on January 3, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Barney Fife 101......lol! suec does it really matter to you why these people were still in their beds on a Sunday morning at 10.25 am? Had these idiots came kicking my door in this past Sunday morning they would've found me in bed also because I had just gotten off from work two hours earlier. Maybe just maybe that's why mom was still in bed.
Posted by sethook on January 3, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pa Leeeese, Come on folks. Those were American Heroes that could not have made such a dumb mistake. These are the people we trust to protect and serve. These are the people who always want "the facts, just the facts" when going about their business. Obviously someone changed the address on the apartment or something really simple. It wasn't their fault. The officers should all be honored for going about their business in a professional manner and not letting their bone head move deter their moral. Keep up the good work guys. America is proud of you. Have a donut on us....
Posted by dixie on January 3, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
havesense: the article said that the police department apologized to the family but could not apologize as to why they raided the apartment. They are apologetic for busting into the wrong apartment but are not sorry for the reason they had behind for doing so. They were misinformed and are sorry for that.
Posted by Girleygirl on January 3, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DCartisan- Thank you for your post.
Tripsa- the only reason the police cannot say "I'm sorry." is because they would be admitting wrong. If they admit wrong than the family can file a lawsuit. Lawyers, and doctors are also trained not to apologize because that means they are admitting fault.
I don't care what neighborhood I live in and what area is known for what, the police should have done MORE to make sure that they have complete and true information. If she lived on Kiawah Island or Sullivan's Island and the police did this some of you all would have had a fit! Since this happened in Sedgefield apts some of you all act like oh well thats her bad because thats her address. We have to remember she did nothing wrong.
Posted by Edwin435 on January 3, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Most people are not getting the fact the anytime police exercise a warrant for an armed suspect they can and will enter the house with weapons drawn. That is standard procedure. Now the claim the the weapons were not pointed is ridiculous. They would be pointing the weapon until the people inside are secure. Anyone saying "well they were wrong in making people get on the ground face down" are wrong as well. In a situation like that...everyone is considered a potential danger and all will be treated in that way until the scene is secured. Mistakes are made everyday but I will never support any school of thought that say the cops must go in without weapons drawn in situations like that. Also for all those that complain about the police...there are good and bad in any profession but for the most part these people are underpaid and doing a dangerous job and I respect them for that so .." Next time you need help call a crackhead and see what help you are get.
Posted by dixie on January 3, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Do you think the police department has all damn day to investigate a lead for a murderer? You don't think that they had to act fast? What if that had been the correct apartment and the murder suspect caught word of the lead on the apartment and once the police did a thorough investigation of the lead the suspect would be on the run. It was a bad lead, but lets take days or weeks to check it out and give the suspect a chance to flee.
Posted by TinaR on January 3, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tripsa said it wont be long until this happens and it is not the cops, then the next time it is the cops the homeowner may not know what is going on and decide to shoot first in self-defence.
Reponse.. just remember the elderly lady in Atlanta that was busted in on my cops and shot back in self defense she was killed in a hail of bullets from the cops who lied and attempted to get a CI to lie in order to cover up. So much so, that the Feds stepped in and at least 2 of the cops are now in jail and the Feds wanted to put the CI in Witness Protection.
Shooting back will only get you killed in this day and age by the Police!
Posted by waterbug on January 3, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
pirate that's exactly why they had them drawn to try to prevent being shot.
Posted by Cid95 on January 3, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"It's Hanahan, not Dodge City"
True. But they do have an OK Corral!
Posted by devilsadvocate77 on January 3, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Could they not have verified with the landlord the occupants of the apartment? How long would that take? Looks like the judge just signed whatever they put in front of him.
Posted by upcountry on January 3, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amazingly.... a poster typed, he saw no problem there.... as long as the police FIX WHAT WAS BROKEN... I wonder did that statement included counselling for the traumatized children and parent.
What if, a member of that family had suffered a heart attack/stroke upon being unexpectly Hannahan's police actions? To have one's door kicked in.. to be awaken from sound sleep ... confronted by the police with weapons DISPLAYED/drawn. did put the family at health risk.
I recall a few years ago, North Charleston's finest kicked in the WRONG DOOR at another home and the lady had a heart attack and died in her home. They too were RIGHTLY Correct...
Is it fair for the police to apologize and their victims.. should forget about their invasion? Should that be the end to that matter.. NO!! Let that be a learning experience..
Everything has an order....it does NOT exclude the police from being accountable for their actions. regardless to what their intent MIGHT have been..
The Hannahan's officer's statement .. "he makes no apology for what happened because of bad information" changed my thoughts about Hannahan's finest..
By HIS statement, HE HELD THAT FAMILY IN CONTEMPT!!!!
Mistakes can/do happen..yes.
Though I seriously doubt such a mistake would have happened on a Sunday morning to a resident asleep in her bed on Daniel's Island, East of Broad, Park Circle, etc.... They dared not to have handled it in such a manner..
To those supporting the officer's actions...
Would it be ok with you,if YOUR door IS UNexpectly kicked in by your local police officers because someone could not communicate in english and points to your home?
Clearly, this family has reason to
seek legal advice.
Posted by grannyofsix on January 3, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Back in 1973 I lived on hawthorne circle I was pregnant with my third child my husband worked nights and I was home alone with my other two children. Back then we didnt have to lock our doors.
And Lo and behold the fire dept came bursting in with the police (at the time the berkley county sheriffs dept they didnt have a police dept then.) said that there was loud screaming coming from this house. anyone familar with the area knows the fire dept is only two blocks from Hawthorne circle my children WERE sound asleep till this and to say the least thank god I didnt go into labor but the paromedics did stay to make sure I was ok and the officer gave both my children a teddy bear. so now what I am tryingto say is what every happen to the town of Hanahan that I use to know. and yes back then they came bursting in as well. BUT the difference is back then when the made a mistake they tried to rectify it right then . And PLEASE dont correct me on my spelling we are her for a forum not wspelling and english lessons on how to write a perfect forum
Posted by waterbug on January 3, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Early do we even know there actually was an informant??? !
Posted by ImplantedYankee on January 3, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why we need to expect better from the police:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,1849...
Posted by upcountry on January 3, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amazingly.... a poster typed, he saw no problem there.... as long as the police FIX WHAT WAS BROKEN... I wonder did that statement included counselling for the traumatized children and parent.
What if, a member of that family had suffered a heart attack/stroke because of unexpected police errors.? To have one's door kicked in.. to be awaken from sound sleep ... confronted by the police with weapons DISPLAYED/drawn. did put the family at health risk.
I recall a few years ago, North Charleston's finest kicked in the WRONG DOOR at another home and the lady had a heart attack and died in her home. They too were RIGHTLY Correct...
Is it fair for the police to apologize and their victims.. should forget about their invasion? Should that be the end to that matter.. NO!! Let that be a learning experience..
Everything has an order....it does NOT exclude the police from being accountable for their actions. regardless to what their intent MIGHT have been..
The Hannahan's officer's statement .. "he makes no apology for what happened because of bad information" changed my thoughts about Hannahan's finest..
By HIS statement, HE HELD THAT FAMILY IN CONTEMPT!!!!
Mistakes can/do happen..yes.
Though I seriously doubt such a mistake would have happened on a Sunday morning to a resident asleep in her bed on Daniel's Island, East of Broad, Park Circle, etc.... They dared not to have handled it in such a manner..
To those supporting the officer's actions...
Would it be ok with you,if YOUR door IS UNexpectly kicked in by your local police officers because someone could not communicate in english and points to your home?
Clearly, this family has reason to
seek legal advice.
Posted by ironmiss on January 3, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Definitely sue them.
Posted by bankz on January 3, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
By being a trained office there are steps you have to follow before busting through the door. Taking info from a person that barely speaks english and acting on it without investigating, terriable police work. I can guarntee if they would of knocked on the door these people would of been more than happy to help. This was a stupid mistake and the police dept needs to be held responsible for their mistake. If it happened in the rich areas they would already be in court this morning.
Posted by txpayergrandad on January 3, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cic95..LOL, yes there is an Ok Coral.. lol, I like your style.
As for a lot of you here, I do not condem most police depts but Hanahan operates just a little on the aggrogant side in most of the things they do. It's not the first time.
hankz.. great post... thats the way it should be. I think its more a lack of good training and leadership. Thanks for the insite of a good officer.
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on January 3, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Hanahan Police were only following a potential lead to the capture of a murderer. They were trying to protect others from meeting the same fate as his other victim. If she sues the police department it is purely out of selfishness and greed. Do you want the cops to bust into a potential hiding spot for a criminal with lollipops and ice cream in hand? I think the criminal might take a gun a little more seriously. They used force to open doors an guns to detain possible suspects. Sorry they didn't use their please and thank-yous while trying to apprehend a murderer. If they apologized for busting into their homes, then that should be enough. These cops did nothing wrong, in my opinion.
BTW, just a thought.... Why was the 15 year old in bed with his mom? Doesn't he have his own room?? Why wasn't she at work? Just asking.
Posted by lpyrbby on January 3, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Who goes and knocks on the door of someone's house when they've been told that an accused murderer lives there? Would you?
Being a landlord for MANY years, I've had quite a few doors kicked in. NEVER does the police department contact the landlord. Not ONE jurisdiction has ever bothered to try to reach me if there's been a problem. I just find out about it the next day when I've got a busted door.
I can only hope that all parties involved can come to an amicable agreement about this incident.
I can't fault HPD for the manner in which they entered the apartment (guns drawn and such). But, I can fault them for not trying to find out any more information before obtaining that warrant. It's somewhat a catch 22 thing though, because people guilty of something will RUN. It had already been 6 hours after the murder at the ok corral. How far can YOU get in 6 hours?
Posted by AFWally on January 3, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
imagine if one of the weapons went off during the incident possibly killing one of the family members
Posted by lpyrbby on January 3, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
quoting: "BTW, just a thought.... Why was the 15 year old in bed with his mom? Doesn't he have his own room?? Why wasn't she at work? Just asking."
The two were in separate rooms, not the same room. Please re-read the article. Also, this happened on a Sunday. I know I slept as late as I possibly could on Sunday and also DID NOT have to work.
Just sayin' and all.
Posted by bankz on January 3, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You people can say what you want, there are rules to search and seizures and clearly they were not followed. One of the most important rule is to "VERIFY YOUR INFORMATION"!!!!!!!
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on January 3, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Working quickly, the officers then kicked a hole in the bedroom door where Brandie's mother, Tina, was asleep. Tina Williams said she was forced to her knees with two guns pointed at her face while her 13-year-old son, Brandon, was forced onto his stomach, a gun trained on his back. When all three were cuffed, an officer asked"
Where in that statement does it say there were 2 rooms?
Posted by Girleygirl on January 3, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How long does it take to obtain a warrant? Does a judge sign for it right then and there once everything is presented to them?
HeyUGuys- It does not say the 15 year old male was in the bed with his mother while she was sleeping. She may have just gotten off of work the reason she was in the bed. Then again its a Sunday morning and she's at home in her bed. That's nothing new. Who cares about her sleeping, relaxing, laying around in her house at whatever time she was at home and she was not breaking the law.
If she got grounds to sue oh well then so be it. I would have been scared to death while laying in bed on a Sunday morning knowing I have not broken any laws and then all of a sudden chaos happens and its the men in blue. I understand that they were trying to find a murderer and applaud them for their efforts but something went wrong.
no one has brought it up but I will.....The family is black and the person that died was Hispanic. The person that informed the police that the perk lived in this woman house was Hispanic..the police should have done some more investigating research IMO.
Posted by beespencer on January 3, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey_U_Guys, I wonder if that same thing happened to you, would you blow it off so quick and move on?
Posted by TinaR on January 3, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The article implies that the 13 year old boy NOT 15 year old boy was in the room or near the room.. Maybe, he heard the noise at the front door and was on this way to moms room to wake her up and notify her of the trouble. The 15 year old was the girl who said that before she could open the door to the knock, the door was kicked in. I hate it when folks start reading more into an article than was actually written. People are too busy reading into a situation than to actually get their facts straight from the article. Rush to judgement anyone?
Fact: Police busted the door
Fact: Police busted the door of the wrong home
Fact: Mom and both children were handcuffed and on the floor
Fact: Police had guns drawn
The police should have apologized for the error, only makes them look worse should a lawsuit be filed!
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on January 3, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Beespencer-I wouldn't be traumatized and not able to speak or sleep. I'd be pi$$ed that they busted in my doors, but if they are paying to fix them, what's the big deal? If I lived in the type of area where crime was a normality, I wouldn't be shocked that something like that could happen.
Eyfigueroa- My child sleeps in his own bed. That's why he has his own room with his own bed in it. I'm not insinuating anything, I just thought it was weird for a kid his age to be in bed with his mom. Especially when cartoons and whatnot are on. And it's not wrong for her to be home on a Sunday morning. If I'm thinking of the correct apartments, most of those families are low income that work odd jobs and shifts. I assumed she would've been at work.
Posted by upcountry on January 3, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NO where in the article was there a nentioning of a child sleeping with his MOTHER. sic suggestion!
Why is this family being blamed and held in contempt BECAUSE THEY ARE THE VICTIMS. OF HANNAHAN'S FINEST. The amazing part of this saga would be.. IF the police KNOWS the WHEREABOUTS of .. their said informant...
Posted by DCartisan on January 3, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW. Hey_U_Guys is really pushing it huh? Blame the family for being home at 10:45 am Sunday and innocent. Also, you cannot be close to your family or be in each others rooms. I hope you are/were never in a position of authority. Unbelievable!
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on January 3, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not blaming the family. You're an idiot.
I am sure, though, that the mother will use this situation to her advantage and SUE.
Posted by preachlove on January 3, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
eyfigueroa, girly girl and upcountry - I appreciate your voices of reason.
It is obvious to me that the police department is already lying to cover up their mishandling during this event. And, just because this family isn't affluent, doesn't mean they wouldn't be tramatized by this incident; they're human. These were children and I hope the family can quickly recover from this traumatizing event.
I have a family member who was a police officer for over 20 years; policeman DO NOT go into homes searching for murderers with their guns pointed at the CEILING or at the FLOOR, they are pointed at the residents of the home.
The BIG issue here is if the police are willing to lie and how it affects investigations within this department. This places a bad stain on the department for officers who constantly do their jobs in a professional manner.
Posted by bagballa on January 3, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Reminds me of when I was in iraq, I did this sorta thing everyday, mistakes happen and intel is almost never right. What is wrong is she said they pointed guns at her and the kids, thats not right at all, but the family could be lying, for a couple thousand dollars people lie.
Posted by mountain on January 3, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
" BAD BOYS BAD BOYS WHAT YOU GOING TO DO WHAT YOU GOING TO DO WHEN THEY COME FOR YOU." This is why they should pull that stupid television show off the air.
Posted by outrage on January 3, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Palmettoman - Please, read Mapp v. Ohio. They knocked and announced Hanahan police, yet by law they don't have too. Due to the danger to the officers and the possibility of the destruction of evidence. Ruled on in 2006, by the Supreme Court. Idiots right!! They swore under oath that they had "probable cause" to believe the suspect was there!-Mapp v. Ohio. "99 percent of these incidents don't get reported", everyone of these incidents gets reported! Because this is a tort society, and the news likes to sensationalize! I understand your right to voice your opinion, but your opinions are just laughable. You know nothing about the laws that protect you! Quit getting your info from "The Sheild". Good show - for entertainment purposes only!
Posted by ironhorse on January 3, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The police made a mistake. Big deal. No lawsuit, no settlement, no way!
Posted by bankz on January 3, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bagballa Iraq is a totally different beast, try to compare to something else other than Iraq. But since you did compare, there are rules of engagement that tell you what you can and cannot do, just like in normal police work. You are given countless hours of instructions on how to be an investigator and in this case none of the instructions were used.
Remember people do sue for less!!!!
Posted by Girleygirl on January 3, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If Hannahan was looking for a murder suspect they of course should be prepared like any other police dept should. If they did not have their guns drawn while executing a search warrant for a murder suspect..why not? Safety first of course right..
I mean heck these cops were kicking everything look at the hole in the picture! That cop lifted his leg HIGH and with a lot of force.
I have to ask Hey_UGuys what's wrong if she sues? She did nothing wrong. Why are you picking on this family? They did nothing to deserve this. You first started bashing the mother for being in bed on a Sunday morning. Never in the article did it say her son was in the bed with her. Then you said you assumed she should have been at work since the apartments are low income housing. Are you also saying that her address merits her importance to the police? Since she lives in a bad part of town Hannahan police can do whatever they need to do to get rid of the crime? Why are you so mad that she said she and her children were traumatized? If this has never happened to you, why are you judging HER as if she did something wrong? The police made a bad judgment call and this was a bad tactic on their part..not hers!
I will assume that the murder suspect is still on the loose as well and they have other good leads as well. Do what you got to do and get him off the streets but human life no matter where your address is does not give the police to treat you however.
I'm use Doug Hoffman line real quick :
Either we are equal or we are not.
Posted by SCMomof2 on January 3, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Clearly, this family has reason to
seek legal advice."
I realize that we don't even know if a lawyer has been contacted, but PLEASE tell me how a lawyer/lawsuit and ultimately $$$ going to "help" them get past being "traumatized"? Will thousands of dollars make this all better and help them cope with their day to day lives? Give me a break! A lawsuit is not the answer to ALL of society's incoveniences and wrongdoings.
I am certain this happens more than we know, so why did this have to make the paper? To make us aware? Ok, noted. I highly doubt it was brought to the P&C's attention simply for "public awareness".
Yeah, sure. (insert BIG eye roll here)
Oh- and color doesn't mean a thing to me. I couldn't care less what color the family or the suspect was. If it means cleaning up our streets to remove the scum that has infested them- then so be it.
Of course, this is just MY opinion.
Posted by Virgo on January 3, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, what in the world does their sleeping situation have to do with anything? (whether or not they were sleeping at 10 am, where in the apartment they were sleeping, etc) I feel like some of the comments are criticizing just to be plain mean..
Secondly, I didn't have a problem with how the police handled the situation at all. If there was an informant that said that the murderer could have been there, I'm glad they busted in the way they did, pointing their guns, kicking in doors, and everything. Sure, they may have scared the family a bit, but if they had been hiding the suspect, they could have potentially harmed one of the officers if they weren't secured for a moment. And before someone says "What if it was your apartment?? How would you feel?" I would be shaken up a bit at first, but after hearing that they were looking for a murderer that lives in my apartment complex, I'd understand the situation. (and hope they kick down a few more doors in the complex!) Also, I'd explain to my kids that the police were just doing their jobs, and had nothing to be scared of. Definitely no lawsuit.
Finally, as far as checking with a landlord about who lives in the apartment, if this is an illegal immigrant, do you really think that the tenant's name on the lease would have been the suspects given name? I suspect not.
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on January 3, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who notified the news about this situation?! I'm curious.
Posted by bankz on January 3, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SCMomof2 since you feel that way how about we kick your door in with guns drawn for nothing and tell you we were looking for someone. Gurantee you will be crying foul just like this family.
Posted by Girleygirl on January 3, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Allwoman-
I LOVE YOU!!!!
Posted by woody00438 on January 3, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First, let me say that I formerly worked for the Hanahan Police Department, and the agency is as professional as they come. I can speak for almost every officer of that department, having worked with them or know them and their work ethic. This department genuinely cares and wants/tries to do the right/lawful thing.
The article says that a bilingual police officer was escorted to the apartment by a Hispanic witness, who pointed out the apartment that the suspect lived in. No doubt, the officer identified the witness, and this information would be more credible and reliable than an anonymous caller saying the suspect was in apartment “16C”.
It is often difficult to contact the management of an apartment complex, as they have changes in ownership or management, and they do not update their contact information with the police departments. Undoubtedly, it is often hard to get them to answer after hours as well. Acting on intelligence of this nature, to catch a murder suspect is very time sensitive, as often criminals will leave the area.
Could more have been done to verify who lives at this address? Possibly, but information that departments have a their disposal are often dated reports that were taken previously. They do not list all occupants or residents of a given location. Even if they did, that’s not to say that a boyfriend could move in, residents could move and new people come in. As far as using DMV, how many of you have moved and not changed your address from the old one (you’ve got 10 days to do this)? This is not CSI, we can’t double click here or there or wave a magic wand and get the crime solved and murderer arrested and convicted in an hour.
Police department’s work with what hands they are given and try and make the best of it.
Posted by woody00438 on January 3, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Continued from previous post:
In regard to the search warrant, the officer presents it to the judge, and the judge decides if probable cause exists or not at that point. Should the officer attempt to verify the witnesses’ statements? YES absolutely 100%. Did that happen? I don’t know, the paper does not say. The paper only reports what they want to report. Guess what, the paper has a tendency to not be correct 100% of the time.
In regard to the presence of firearms, what do you expect when you are hunting an accused murderer. The suspect being hunted brutally shot the victim MULTIPLE times in a nightclub with dozens if not hundreds of witnesses. Your damn right I would have had my gun drawn, and it would be pointed in the direction of any threat (people are threats until secured) that might surface. As far as accidental discharges, officers are trained in the use of firearms and the proper techniques to avoid situations such as that. Once the location was secured, I would imagine that the guns were holstered.
It is unfortunate that these officers hit the wrong house. I’m sure they recognize this now, and it appears that they are attempting to rectify the situation by replacing the damaged doors. I applaud their attempt and wish them the best of luck in capturing the suspect(s) in this crime.
Posted by SCMomof2 on January 3, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"SCMomof2 since you feel that way how about we kick your door in with guns drawn for nothing and tell you we were looking for someone. Gurantee you will be crying foul just like this family."
I most can certainly guarantee you that NO I wouldn't be crying foul! I can guarantee you too that I have never cried foul when I have been rear-ended in an automobile accident either- but does that stop others from making a dramtic, unnecessary scene in order to collect? No it does not.
For goodness sakes people- the police were doing their job. Like a previous poster said, do you honestly think the police should have showed up at the front door like a girl scout and politely asked them if a wanted murderer was hanging out with them? If they had been, do you honestly think the apartment occupants would have been so honest and upstanding to tell them that he was there? Give me a break!
Yes it was very unfortunate for the young people to witness that, but it's not like it was intentionally directed at them personally. They were following a lead, pure and simple.
As far as the poster who said that the money would help them move out of that crime area- ok, i'll bite- do you think that family is there because they have to be? There are other areas they could relocate to with rent just the same or whatever. Why does it have to take a get-rich-quick lawsuit to help them realize that it's time to move? I am generalizing that question, b/c like I said earlier-- no one knows if a lawyer has been contacted or not.
Posted by JohnS on January 3, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The city of Hanahan has insurance for these types of mistakes. The person needs to file a claim with the city for property damages and emotional distress. There is no reason for a mix up like this to happen. A good personal injury lawyer will handle this.
Posted by Clemson1979 on January 3, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder if the bad info was done on purpose? It's cheaper than a lottery ticket.... And this payout will be tax free.
Posted by bankz on January 3, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OK nuff said, SCMomof2 you are not going to cry foul, that is fine. I do not believe you but that is fine. THE HPD WERE IRRESPONSIBLE WITH THE INFO THAT WAS GIVEN. INVESTIGATE, INVESTIGATE, INVESTIGATE that is all it takes.
And who cares if they sue it is their right and who are we to dispute that.
Posted by Virgo on January 3, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Woody and SCMomof2,
Thank you. I could not have said all of that better myself.
Posted by TinaR on January 3, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand the comments from Woody, however, Woody fails to even acknowledge that mistakes/lies can be made. Woody stated that his gun would be drawn and and pointed until the situation was secure and yet the brave officers at Hanahan that Woody is defending stated that THEY DID NOT point guns at the people in the apartment.
I am only stating that things can happen like with the elderly lady in Atlanta, where the cops attempted to have a CI state AFTER they went into the home that the CI had purchased drugs from that house when he had not. It was because the cops LIED. And when the CI, told the cops that he was not going to lie they got pissed. When called on the phone and asked by the FEDS where he was, the CI stated he was with 2 officers, and the response was that he needed to get out of their car immediately. This case in Atlanta has re-vamped how the drug unit opperates, and even officers who were not involved in the death of this woman were transferred elsewhere and all new officers brought into the drug unit.
My point is this, cops are people too, and at times some of them (NOT all of them). Who is to say that there was an actual hispanic informant.. is there a sworn and signed statement from this informant, and can they be produced if necessary? The informant angle could be a lie just to cover someone's rear end on this mistake.
Posted by yeahright on January 3, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
scmomof2--until your front door is kicked in by armed strangers you can't possibly guarantee anything. Comparing this event to getting "rear ended" in an automobile accident shows how little you comprehend having your home invaded, even if it is by police officers. If your own 2 children were put in harms way by misinformed cops I bet you would feel differently.
Posted by noname on January 3, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG, I have seen some pretty unusual statements on this board, but I've have to say this one actual tops the list.
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on January 3, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Hanahan Police were only following a potential lead to the capture of a murderer. They were trying to protect others from meeting the same fate as his other victim. If she sues the police department it is purely out of selfishness and greed. Do you want the cops to bust into a potential hiding spot for a criminal with lollipops and ice cream in hand? I think the criminal might take a gun a little more seriously. They used force to open doors an guns to detain possible suspects. Sorry they didn't use their please and thank-yous while trying to apprehend a murderer. If they apologized for busting into their homes, then that should be enough. These cops did nothing wrong, in my opinion.
BTW, just a thought.... Why was the 15 year old in bed with his mom? Doesn't he have his own room?? Why wasn't she at work?
Just Pure Stupidity!
Posted by SCMomof2 on January 3, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"scmomof2--until your front door is kicked in by armed strangers you can't possibly guarantee anything. Comparing this event to getting "rear ended" in an automobile accident shows how little you comprehend having your home invaded, even if it is by police officers. If your own 2 children were put in harms way by misinformed cops I bet you would feel differently."
Alright, i'll give you that one. Let me say that I would hope to keep a level head about myself and try to understand that the police were just doing their job. I'm just one that thinks money does not make things right and erases what happened. I brought up being rear-ended just to bring to light that there are a lot of people that can't let some things in life be an honest mistake- that they have to always be looking for the money train. That's all. You're right about my kids, I would not want them in harms way. Them being scared would bother me more than anything, but I also wouldn't be saying to them to let Mommy get them some money to make it all go away and it will be all better. I just don't think that way.
Posted by SMAT62 on January 3, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We are all humans and make mistakes, even the police. They had cause to go into that appartment. Maybe some of you wouldnt hate the police so much if you were not doing anything wrong whether it is speeding, talking on your cell phone and not paying attention or whatever. They have a job to do just like the rest of us and I appreciate everything the police do to keep my family and me safe. THANK YOU HANAHAN POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR DOING YOUR JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by mountain on January 3, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What was the cops hurry? They could have waited all day if necessary. Where was the suspect going? If there had been a real bad guy with a pump shotgun we would be commenting on a different story. You would think the tragedy with the super sofa fire would have taught everyone a lesson about rushing into buildings blindly.
Posted by iculukin on January 3, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe the comments some of you are making! If you aren't aware of the area where this happened, let me tell you a thing or two. I have lived in Hanahan all of my life and am proud to say so. That area has STEADY gotten worse over the years. People around there don't work. They steal our childrens bicycles and even the low life parents will lie and say that Uncle so and so bought the bike for the little thief that just stole it. There have been numerous busts and wanted murderers and drug dealers...the list goes on and on...that has happened in these apartments. Us home owners around there would love to see those apartments tore down and something decent put there that doesn't have section 8 in it. Anyway, all this means is that Hanahan acted correctly. If any of you critics posting have ever had to look for someone that may take your life because they have no regard for it, then maybe you would have a little more respect for our officers. Who are you going to call when someone violates you?
Posted by poli1471 on January 3, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I say the hell with you jack asses........The police departments should call in with the blue flu for a month and let all you dumb azzes fend for yourselves. everybody wants to play arm chair quarter back. Alot of you always have negative statements directed at the police and it's a wonder they would actually want to protect and serve YOU!!!
Posted by outrage on January 3, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mountain - What was the cops hurry? He might kill again, or take hostages. "Rushing into buildings blindly" "sofa super store" WHAT? How do you get there? Fire fighters rush into buildings all the time, it is their job! GBTS
Posted by strong2000 on January 3, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe some of you are worried about why the son was sleeping in the same room as the mother!! They never said they were in the bed together or even in the same room. You guys sound stupid for even thinking that because what does that have to with their door being kicked in by a bunch of jackasses. Did you ever think maybe he was watching t.v on the floor and fell asleep and maybe the daughtyer closed the door so she wouldn't wake them! Did the witness go over and touch that door so they could be sure they were talking about the same door! You damn right I would be on the first thing smoking to a lawyer of my choice to teach them a lesson. And NONAME, why do you feel the mother should be at work on a Sunday morning, I bet you were probably in your bed on Sunday!
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on January 3, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
eyfigueroa: Get down off of your high horse. "A kid lying down in the bed with a sibling or parent shouldn't ring alarm bells in your head. Are you saying that your child has never lain down in bed with you? Not my place to comment on your parenting skills, to each his own."
What about my parenting skills. Because I don't want my child in the bed where his father and I sleep and do other things? Yep, that's me, the bad parent. And the 13 year old maybe being in bed with his mother didn't "ring alarm bells" in my head. I was just curious why the child isn't mentioned other than being forced to lay on the ground on his stomach. It says exactly what the two women of the house were doing, but nothing about him.
You are correct, for once, I am pulling the class and race cards. Not the gender card, though. Good for you, you actually made a correct assessment. And don't go emailing me through here like you did before. That's REALLY annoying.
Posted by pelicanwoman on January 3, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems like the main issue here is the "oh, well" attitude by the police department. At least, that is the way the article makes it sound.
My husband witnessed a traffic accident a few years back, and the accident victim accused him of causing it. The case kept getting "continued" by the court (this was in another state), and we kept either sitting in court all day for nothing, or being called by our attorney at the last minute telling us not to go to court. (When he finally got his day in court-two years and many dollars later, he was found not responsible.)
On one occasion, even though the continuance and new date were filed properly, it somehow appeared he had skipped a court date and a deputy came to the house and arrested him- cuffed him right in front of the kids. I had to find a bail bondsman to get him out of jail- and had to pay him. It was tramatic for ALL of us. When the COURT later realized it was THEIR error, we did not even get an apology or our money back that we had to pay the bail bondsman. That was the most insulting thing of all. How hard is it to say they are sorry and reimburse us the $75?
Posted by strong2000 on January 3, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Poli1471 I agree let them go ahead and play blue flu for a month better yet a year maybe we'll stop being harrassed for stupid stuff. Trust me I know how to protect myself!! By the time the police arrive the suspects are long gone anyway,unless it has something to do with drugs and they don't have no problem with catching them!!
Posted by outrage on January 3, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"You damn right I would be on the first thing smoking to a lawyer of my choice to teach them a lesson". That sentence is well written. Whom do you think needs a lesson, or should I say grammer lesson?
Posted by AFWally on January 3, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
pelicanwoman - that is one sorry story, that whole thing is a giant cluster, such humiliation and no consideration when their dumb a$$es realized they were at fault!
Posted by theronce on January 3, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nice story...The police tried to do the right thing and made at least one mistake. Stuff happens. I do not see the family as a villain yet either. What language did the informer use to point to the house?
Posted by noname on January 3, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
strong2000, hold on a sec, I never said anything regarding the mother sleeping in late on a sunday morning hell, I do too. It was that jackazz Hey_U_Guys, that had a problem with both the child and his mother.
Read that damn post before you go running of on the mouth,
Posted by strong2000 on January 3, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Outrage-Please forgive me! I will correct my mistake. " You're right! I would scurry my little self down to a attorney's office of my choice. I would love to teach those guys a great lesson!" That sentence is for anyone who speaks the jackass language like Outrage!! EVERYONE BE AWARE OF THE GRAMMAR POLICE, HE MIGHT FIND YOU AND KICK IN YOUR DOOR FOR NOT TYPING A PROPER SENTENCE! I wonder if you can read this: G* f**k Y**r S**f
Posted by strong2000 on January 3, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"BTW, just a thought.... Why was the 15 year old in bed with his mom? Doesn't he have his own room?? Why wasn't she at work?
Just Pure Stupidity!"
Sorry maybe I should take a reading class along with my grammar lessons!!!!
Posted by mygosh on January 3, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WHO IN THE HECK SAID SHE WAS SUING ANYONE???? OH... I get it! Since she is BLACK and live in a low-income area, some of you automatically assume she is going to SUE, just asking maybe I missed something in the article. And by the way, when I was growing up, I always laid and cuddled by my parents in their bed and watched tv or took naps. I see nothing wrong with that. You and your husband must "get-it-on" 24/7!(I ain't mad atcha...HIGH 5^) I am not saying HPD are 100% wrong, but I feel they could have done more investigating. I would have been very traumatized and mad as hell if they had kicked my door in by mistake. Now as far as suing them, I don't think, (and note, I said THINK)I would have went that far.
Posted by officelady on January 3, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a homeowner in this area and I first would like to say that yes, I agree with iculukin, the apartments have to come down. I have lived in Hanahan all my life as well and I can't believe that the city allows this "eye sore" to exist. However, I do know the 13 year old child that was involved. His mother works at night so that answers the question of why she was still in bed at 10am. The step father has 3 jobs, so he was not there. The incident that the daughter was a witness to was some kids fighting so it isn't like she saw a murder or anything. Hanahan didn't get their facts straight before they kicked in the door, plain and simple. Hanahan police are not trained for the changes that our little city are going through. Hanahan used to be this quiet little town with no crime and speed traps. I can't really say that I would sue, but I wouldn't be happy about my kids being put in handcuffs and held at gun point.
Posted by burton on January 3, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shoddy police work. The witness could have been setting them up to lead them down the wrong path while the shooters got away. After he points out the possible location, whatever happened to casing out the place to see if his info is accurate?
You just go off the word of a witness? Not someone that is an informant for your dept and has a history of giving you accurate info in the past but a witness? LOL. They deserve to get sued so that there won't be a next time! Luckily no one on either side was killed because of this shoddy police work.
Posted by outrage on January 3, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Strong2000 - It's English! It is hard for anyone to say that you have a valid point when you talk like that. They allow you to proofread, before you submit your wisdom! But, since you mentioned it, there are several errors in your posts! Don't be so angry, I was just trying to help!
Posted by mrsmomofthree on January 3, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mistakes happen. They were looking for a murder suspect. We expect the police to protect and serve and they do a great job. Our society has changed so much that now the police are scared to do their job. We have become such a litigious sociey that we are soon going to all be in danger because no one can do their job. Thank goodness we aren't sued everytime we make a mistake.
Posted by yeahright on January 3, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree, mrsmomofthree. It'd be nice if a sincere, heartfelt apology to this mother and her 2 children were enough. That and a new door is all they are truly owed in my opinion. That being said, any mother should understand the outrage this mother felt at having her children put in this situation. It's an unfortunate incident for all involved.
Posted by JohnS on January 3, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The City and Police say they are sorry when the insurance company pays the claim. Some damage was done and the family needs to be paid end of story.
Posted by charleston_grown on January 3, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wow, the police lying to cover their tracks. imagine that!
Posted by ChrisPia on January 3, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Keep on Fighting Crime Hanahan Pd. I Say "Thank You".Don't get discouraged,keep fighting!
Posted by silly_rabbit on January 3, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just another black person wanting some free money. Andy Savage to the rescue!
Posted by i_t_pro on January 3, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Just another black person wanting some free money. Andy Savage to the rescue!"
Hmm... I wonder what the average white person would have done if someone knocked down their door, handcuffed their kids, and pointed loaded guns around while yelling and screaming at them.
Better yet... What if the person living in that apartment was licensed to carry a gun, thought it was a home invasion, and shot one of the cops, and was killed by the other cops???
In SC we have laws that state in the event of a home invasion you can kill the intruder.
The thing I find most interesting is more than likely it was an illegal immigrant that was killed and more likely than not the informant was probably here illegally also.
This could have easily happened to someone black or white so I wouldn't stereotype the people for suing because they are black. I am lily white and had this happened to me I would have filed a lawsuit and made an example out of the Hanahan PD myself.
Posted by mrsmomofthree on January 3, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is easy for the majority of people to think they know what they would do. It doesn't matter what color anybody is. I would be horrified it someone busted in my door and my kids were affeected. BUT, what amount of money is going to fix that. Why do we have to look for money anytime something goes wrong. THEY WERE DOING THEIR JOB AND HAD A WARRANT!! Get over it.
I have sat on a jury for a family that had a family member killed by a police officer and the family wanted........MONEY!! Shocking!!
By the way people wouldn't be so fast to make comments about suing if it didn't happen. Whether it be black or white.
Posted by bankz on January 3, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
silly_rabbit no reason to respond to stupidity. It is not a racial issue so please do not take it there. We all can be victimized the same way. Silly_rabbit this is a free country and i cannot tell you what to say, but please keep comments like that to yourself.
Posted by i_t_pro on January 3, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"THEY WERE DOING THEIR JOB AND HAD A WARRANT!!"
They had a warrant based on information given to them by someone that was probably here illegally and couldn't speak a bit of English, way to go Hanahan PD.
I never said that I would sure for money, but I sure as heck would make an example of them, get a public apology, and have my court and lawyer fees paid.
Posted by geechiegirl1966 on January 3, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not once was it mentioned that this woman was going to sue. Her only concern was her children. The HPD was wrong for not investigating further.
Posted by mrsmomofthree on January 3, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Obviously a warrant is meaningless and worthless. The whole process is to try to keep the peace. We want the bad guys put away. Let the police do their job. They have to depend on information from observations of others. We have to let the police do their job. If mistakes are made that is what happens. I have taught my students that you are who you hang out with. Sometimes you make bad choices. There must have been a reason why they pursued the warrant.
Posted by lpyrbby on January 3, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I happen to know the property managers for these apartments. Those of you complaining about the apartments themselves and what an "eyesore" they are, why don't you quit complaining privately about how the apartments look and find a way to talk to the property owners. You can't honestly believe they want crime on their back either do you?
Okay, in regards to everyone assuming this lady is going to sue, I think everyone thinks that because WHY else would this have made it to the news? You know HPD didn't call up the P&C and let them know that they made a big boo boo and they should make a story about it. That's just my opinion though.
Posted by SCJOP on January 3, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In a situation such as this there are alot of things to take into consideration. The incident occured over bad intelligence and poor surviellance if any. Because if the correct steps above stated were taken this would have not happened. The Hanahan Police Department is a good agency. However there is a bad apple in every group. I support the department and the mayor in this unfortunate incident. The situation needs to be reviewed and investigated to find out the cause of this.
Posted by JohnS on January 4, 2008 at 12:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Hanahan policeman IQ is about 70 I think ( Forest Gumps IQ was 72). They did not check out the lead to make sure who was living their before they knocked down the door. This is about as dumb as the Hanahan firemen who set the house under construction on fire about a year or so ago. Also scaring people to death at Pappy's just having lunch.
Posted by beespencer on January 4, 2008 at 12:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I got a feeling that Fox News will have this story very soon...
Posted by SMAT62 on January 4, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all Pappy was contributing to illegal gambling, over $400,000. They deserved what they got! Second, apparently a judge didnt see where Hanahan needed anymore information. If they (the family) wants to get mad then they need to get mad at the witness not the police department. Third, I am sure the warrant had the address on it so Hanahan is not responsible but I am sure they will have the damage fixed.
Posted by AndyT on January 4, 2008 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This has got to be the worst case of bad, inaccurate reporting, I have ever read. There is two subjects running loose out there wanted for murder. MURDER!!!!! Clemson1979 suggested this might be on purpose. I am surprised that person had the intelligence to even turn on his computer. Palmettoman, well you just keep on vomiting. The officers and local departments have tactics and procedures in place to protect themselves when serving high risk arrest warrants. Murder would probably qualify as a high risk warrant. There are a lot of people on here talking about how the police screwed up. I am sure that the majority of the idiots on this website/article response, have a lot of better solutions. Whatever. You sit back in your little cozy office or bedroom and Monday morning quarterback. It is easy to do from the cheap seats. Why don't you go to your local police department or sheriff's department and complete the ride along form. Better yet, why don't you apply, because with all of the perfect people that have responded on the article, becoming police, the crack dealers, murderers, burglars, car thieves, and whoever else don't have a chance. Oh thats right it is easier for you to hide there behind your computer and tell all of the officers and deputies that they are doing it all wrong. I will end by saying this. GOOD JOB OFFICERS, way to put forth the effort in cleaning up our community!
Posted by CharlestonsFinest on January 5, 2008 at 12:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank You AndyT. I don't beleive it could have been said any better. However, I did not see that many people applying today...
Posted by jeanspatch on January 20, 2008 at 6:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
your children will be negatively affected in ways you cannot begin to imagine right now; leave while you are able to talk about this with your family still intact; there are many other affordable areas where your family will be able to reside safely and with peace of mind