A granny was left "frightened and confused" after her house was raided by a SWAT team after an apparent false alert on Apple's 'Find my iPhone' app.
Ruby Johnson, 77, has accused police of leaving her house in disarray including broken doors, smashed sentimental items and her personal belongings rifled through.
Police had been investigating the allegedly carjacking of a white truck, which according to the owner contained six firearms including a military grade rifle, two drones, $4,000 cash and an old iPhone 11, reports NBC news.
Police spoke to the owner who claimed the 'Find My' app had pinged twice at Ms Johnson's address the day before.
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Youtube/9News)Denver Police Department Detective Gary Staab then used that claim as the basis for the raid on the 77-year-old granny's home on January 4, according to a copy of the affidavit obtained by KUSA of Denver.
Ms Johnson has now launched a lawsuit against Mr Staab “in his individual capacity”, claiming he illegally issued the warrant which the complaint characterised as a "hastily prepared, bare-bones, misleading affidavit."
Her lawyers claimed the raid "lacked probable cause that evidence of crime could be found" at Johnson's home, since it was based on an unverified ping on the 'Find My' app.
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ACLU)Image:
ACLU)According to an image on the complaint, the area highlighted by the app covered at least six properties and four blocks.
In a statement from the Denver Police Department, it was admitted the raid was carried out "due to allegations that six guns had been stolen and may have been located in Ms. Johnson’s home."
An internal investigation has been launched by Denver Police Department Chief Ron Thomas.
The statement added: "We hope to continue to work with Ms. Johnson’s family through her attorneys to resolve this matter without further litigation."
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Youtube/9News)The complaint alleges police used a ram to break down the garage door despite Ms Johnson providing instructions on how to open it.
It also claims the house "was left in disarray" and the granny was left with “severe physical and emotional distress."
"Ms. Johnson’s privacy, sense of safety, and peace in her home have been shattered since her house became the scene of a militarized criminal investigation," it continued.
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Youtube/9News)Following the raid Ms Johnson didn't return to her home for months, with the complaint saying she "could not bear to remain in her house".
She has been left considering moving away.
In the statement, the Denver Police Department said they “sincerely apologise to Ms. Johnson for any negative impacts this situation may have had on her.”
