The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is facing a lawsuit after SWAT officers allegedly mistook an innocent citizen for a suspect, detaining him at gunpoint and handcuffing him in his home.
The incident has drawn heightened scrutiny because it involved members of LAPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, considered one of the department’s elite units. Adding to the controversy, the LAPD has remained silent, offering no public apology or explanation.
Civil Rights Lawsuit Filed in Federal Court
According to the Los Angeles Times, which cited records from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Danine Dean (48), a resident of the Fox Hills neighborhood, filed a lawsuit earlier this month alleging civil rights violations by the LAPD. The incident occurred on November 13, 2024, at approximately 4 a.m.
Dean reported that he was asleep when he heard loud knocking at his front door. Upon opening the door in his pajamas, he was shocked to see SWAT officers pointing guns at him as they entered his home and began a search.
One Hour in Handcuffs Due to Mistaken Identity
Dean’s attorney stated that during the search, Dean was handcuffed and detained for about an hour. It was later revealed that officers had confused Dean’s name with that of a robbery suspect. A SWAT officer reportedly admitted the detention was a mistake.
Despite visiting LAPD headquarters to file a complaint, Dean said he received no clear explanation or follow-up response. His attorney emphasized that filing the lawsuit became an unavoidable step after LAPD’s lack of accountability.
No Access to Search Warrant or Police Statement
Attorney Ian Wallach said the legal team was denied access to key documents, including the search warrant and police statements. “We tried every route, but there was no way to obtain a statement explaining why this happened,” Wallach said.
Dean told the Los Angeles Times that the incident has left him and his children anxious and fearful in the home where they have lived for 23 years.
LAPD Silent on Other Incidents as Well
The LAPD has also declined to comment on an unrelated but similarly sensitive case involving Officer Andres Lopez, who fatally shot a man named Yang Yong. The Police Commission partially ruled the shooting violated departmental policy but LAPD has maintained silence on the matter.
BY YEOL JANG [jang.yeol@koreadaily.com]
