Video: Georgia Grand Jury Clears SWAT Team in Raid That Injured Toddler, Slams "Emergency" Drug Investigations
In their 15-page presentment, the grand jury found no cause for criminal charges against the deputies involved in the botched SWAT raid, but they had plenty to say about the investigation.
A grand jury has recommended no criminal charges in the Habersham County (Ga.) SWAT raid that critically injured a toddler.
The 19-month-old toddler was asleep in the early morning hours of May 28 when SWAT deputies threw a flash-bang device into his home while executing a search warrant for a drug suspect.
In their 15-page presentment, the grand jury found no cause for criminal charges against the deputies involved in the botched SWAT raid, but they had plenty to say about the investigation.
The jury called it "sloppy and hurried" and "not in accordance with best practices." The grand jury said while they want law enforcement to pursue drug dealers "the zeal to hold them accountable must not override cautious and patient judgment."
They went on to say, "there should be no such thing as an emergency drug investigation."
The grand jury wants their findings read to the entire Georgia Assembly, WSB TV reports.
They believe the tragedy that happened in Habersham County could happen to any community and they don't want any other children hurt.
A criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office is ongoing. The toddler's family has moved back to Wisconsin. A spokesman said the parents are distraught and not satisfied. The spokesman said they will likely move forward with a civil suit.
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