$20 Million Claim Filed in Arizona SWAT Team Killing

August 17, 2011

The widow of an ex-Marine killed in a Pima County SWAT team raid has filed a $20 million claim.

Attorneys for Vanessa Guerena said the county Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies have until Sept. 9 to respond, settle, or face a lawsuit.

The May 5 raid of four houses was in search of items authorities believed were linked to drug trafficking and home invasions.

When the SWAT team knocked down the door at Jose Guerena’s home, officers said the 26-year-old man was holding an AR-15 rifle.

The Arizona Daily Star reported that the sheriff’s officers and police from Oro Valley, Sahuarita and Marana fired 71 shots and Guerena was hit 22 times.

The claim says officers were negligent for not giving Guerena medical attention after the shooting.

Topics Arizona

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