A local group is demanding the firing of four Minneapolis police officers after they allegedly intimidated a family whose dog ran away in the middle of the night.
Communities United Against Police Brutality claims officers entered Ebony Dobbins' family home through an open window around 1:00 a.m. in north Minneapolis on March 25 after her neighbors had called police about her dog.
The dog apparently had escaped and was roaming the area. The family is claiming police allegedly woke them up at gunpoint. Dobbins claims the reason police cited for entering her home was because they thought her children were home alone.
"They stated they were never able to check on my kids because I was too hostile," says Dobbins. "One of the officers even boasted about breaking into my son's window, letting me know on his way out, 'hey, make sure you you close your son's back window and lock it because that's the way we came in.'"
Dobbins also claims the officer's actions go against their current consent decree with the state.
"Officers are knocking on the doors, they're running away after they knock as if this family might be dangerous," claimed President of CUAPB Michelle Gross. "The most anyone in this family has is a parking ticket."
The organization is calling for the four MPD officers involved - and one Animal Control Officer - to be fired.
Minneapolis police responded in a statement saying the claims that officers entered the home with weapons drawn are false and that complaints related to the incident are being independently investigated.
Full Minneapolis Police Statement
"Officers responded to a report of an uncontrolled, aggressive dog at a residence. While waiting for Animal Control, officers spent more than an hour trying to make contact with the occupants. They knocked on doors and windows while avoiding the loose dog, called cell phones they could hear ringing inside, and used bright lights to get attention.
During this time, officers observed children inside the home who appeared unresponsive. Concerned for their safety, officers entered the home through an open window to avoid causing damage from a forced entry.
There have been claims that officers entered the home with weapons drawn—those claims are false. Officers entered calmly, announced their presence, and focused on ensuring the safety of everyone inside.
Chief O’Hara has reviewed the body-worn camera footage and supports the officers' actions.
Any complaints related to this incident are independently investigated through the external complaints process."