Homeowner Dies After Police Officers in New Mexico Respond to Wrong House
The policemen in Farmington, New Mexico responded to the wrong house and shot the homeowner during the operation.
A head of the family in New Mexico, USA passed away when he was shot by police officers who responded to a report of domestic violence. However, it turned out that the authorities went to the wrong house.
According to reports, the incident happened on April 5 in Farmington, New Mexico. Based on the body camera footage released, there were doubts from the police officers about the house they went to just seconds before the tragedy occurred.
The male homeowner came out of the house allegedly carrying a gun and was immediately shot by the police officers. The victim’s wife also reportedly exchanged gunfire with the authorities, who allegedly did not immediately realize that they were police officers outside their house.
The victim identified as Robert Dotson, 52-year-old died during the encounter. His wife was not injured. The Dotson family’s side was not obtained as of Saturday (April 15, 2023).
The Farmington Police Department released videos from the body cameras worn by the three police officers who fired their guns.
“Once again, we wish to express our condolences to the Dotson family and as your chief of police, I wish to convey how very sorry I am that this tragedy occurred,” said Police Chief Steven Hebbe in a statement.
In the video, a police officer can be seen knocking on the door of Dotson’s house and identifying himself as an authority. Meanwhile, the other two police officers discussed whether they had the correct address.
When they realized they were mistaken, a man came out of the house allegedly holding a gun. The police officer shouted, “Hands up!” followed immediately by gunshots from the police officers and the man fell.
The voice of a woman can be heard screaming, “Oh my God!,” while one police officer yelled, “Please don’t,” and was followed again by gunshots.
Allegedly, Dotson’s wife did not know that they were police officers outside their house. She was not charged by the authorities.
Reportedly, there were three children inside the house when the incident occurred.
The names of the three police officers involved in the incident were not released. They have been placed on paid leave while the investigation continues.
According to Hebbe, the Dotson family and their lawyer watch the video before it is released to the public.
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