Investigation reveals tactical team botched standoff - WMC Action News 5 - Memphis, Tennessee

Investigation reveals MPD's TACT unit botched standoff

The lawsuit filed specifically cites the improper use of the gas used by officers. (Photo Source: WMC Action News 5) The lawsuit filed specifically cites the improper use of the gas used by officers. (Photo Source: WMC Action News 5)
The report found that officers used too much tear gas, throwing at least 15 canisters into the home. (Photo Source: WMC Action News 5) The report found that officers used too much tear gas, throwing at least 15 canisters into the home. (Photo Source: WMC Action News 5)

(WMC) - A Memphis Police Department internal affairs investigation has revealed that the tactical unit officers botched a barricade situation that led to the death of the suspect.

The incident happened one year ago when officers went to 1383 Worthington Street to serve an attempted first-degree murder warrant against Aaron Dumas.

Dumas is accused of threatening to kill his former girlfriend and her brother.

When officers arrived at Worthington on Oct. 15, 2013, Dumas fired a shot, hitting one officer in the leg. When authorities surrounded the house Dumas shot again, hitting another officer in the leg.

The internal affairs report found that officers fired at least three flammable tear gas canisters, which were for outdoor use only, into the house. Additionally, one officer threw a smoke grenade that was only meant for outdoors.

The report found that officers used too much tear gas, throwing at least 15 canisters into the home. The medical examiner determined Dumas died from smoke inhalation.

The internal affairs report also revealed a complete breakdown in communication between police and Dumas due to equipment issues. Click one of the following links to read the internal affairs report.

On the heels of the report being released, Howard Manis, attorney for the three Dumas children, filed a lawsuit citing negligence on the part of the TACT Team. The lawsuit specifically cites the improper use of the gas used by officers.

Copyright 2014 WMC Action News 5. All rights reserved. 

Powered by Frankly