SHARE

Wrong Home: Police Raided NJ Family's Home At Gunpoint In Address Mixup, Suit Says

A family has filed a lawsuit against the Bloomfield Township after its police officers apparently wrongfully raided their home at gunpoint in response to reports of a murder suicide. Authorities eventually realized they had the wrong address, the lawsuit reads.

Bloomfield police

Bloomfield police

Photo Credit: Bloomfield Township PD

The suit was filed by Emmanuel Martinez, Solamyra Criado and their child last month in Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex County. They are seeking unspecified damages. 

Police broke down the family's door around 7 a.m. on March 29, 2021, entering the home with their guns drawn and pointed at the family, according to the lawsuit. 

The officers then searched the home without a warrant, declining to tell the family what was going on, the lawsuit alleges. The lawsuit claims the search of the home went beyond the bounds of a protective sweep and plain view search.

Police eventually told the family they had received a call that someone had been shot and the shooter was about to commit suicide, according to the lawsuit. Police did not say when the call was made, but soon realized they were at the wrong home, the lawsuit alleges.

The family says they suffered emotional pain, embarrassment and humiliation from the raid, which was a violation of their constitutional rights, according to the lawsuit.

Captain Anthony Sisco of the Bloomfield Township Police Department said they cannot comment on pending litigation. 

to follow Daily Voice Fair Lawn-Glen Rock and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE