Judge dismisses lawsuit against Columbia SWAT
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - A federal judge has dismissed a civil lawsuit filed by a Columbia family after a police SWAT team raided their house and arrested the father.
Jonathan Whitworth, his wife and son sued 12 Columbia police officers involved in the February 2010 raid at the Whitworths' home. Two of the family's dogs were shot, killing one.
Police said they believed Jonathan Whitworth was a major distributor of marijuana. Officers found a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia at the home. Whitworth pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia in April 2010 and paid a $300 fine.
The Columbia Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/rOjzxn) that U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey on Monday ruled that the officers' actions were proper.
The Whitworths' attorney said they are evaluating whether to appeal the ruling.
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Information from: Columbia Daily Tribune, http://www.columbiatribune.com