Dog's death has owner in disbelief
Neighbor suspect 'was always great with Patches'
By Tillie Fong, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 7, 2008 at 10:14 p.m.
Ryan Hayes, 49, was arrested and released on $2,000 bond.
Photo by Courtesy of Marlys Duggan
Marlys Duggan, with Patches.
Marlys Duggan said Monday she was still in shock - days after her neighbor's son allegedly shot and killed her beloved dog, Patches.
"I don't know why, I don't understand," said Duggan, 67, of Lakewood.
"You can never understand the dark side of human nature."
On Thursday, Ryan Cullen Hayes, 49, was arrested on charges of animal cruelty, reckless endangerment and prohibited use of a weapon while drunk.
Thursday night around 8 p.m., Duggan visited her neighbor, Rosemarie Mortimer, in the 1300 block of Otis Street. As usual, she brought along her nearly 2-year-old Jack Russell terrier mix, Patches.
She has known Mortimer, and her two sons who live with her, for two years.
"We went over there three or four times a week," said Duggan. "He (Hayes) was always great with Patches. He would laugh when Patches would do something. He would always give Patches treats, and the dog would follow him to the kitchen."
On this visit, Duggan said she met with Hayes and his mother, and then he announced that he was going to take a shower. Before that, he went to the kitchen to get a beer, and Patches followed him as Hayes went to his bedroom.
"The next thing I knew, there was a loud explosion, and I thought it was a transformer that had blown," Duggan said.
"I ran into the bedroom and Patches was on the floor, with a pool of blood around his head. I reached over and he was dead, he was already gone, and Ryan kept saying, 'I didn't do it, I didn't do it. The dog was playing with my gun that was lying on the floor next to my bed.' "
Duggan said she took Patches to Animal Critical Care Emergency Services on Wadsworth Boulevard.
"A doctor from ACCES told me, 'No way it was an accident,' " Duggan recalled. "They took X-rays and the trajectory of the bullet showed that Ryan was over him when he shot Patches."
She said she didn't call police, but that the hospital did.
"I didn't want to believe - you don't want to think that someone would do that," she said.
Lakewood police arrested Hayes on Thursday night after talking to him. According to the police report, Hayes initially denied having anything to do with the shooting, saying that the dog had shot himself.
But when officers asked how it was possible a dog could have put pressure on the trigger to shoot himself in the face, Hayes finally said he did not mean to shoot the dog and that it was an accident.
He was arrested and released Friday after posting $2,000 bond. He will make his first appearance in court Wednesday.
Duggan said after returning from the animal hospital Thursday, Hayes' mother had greeted her and offered to pay for any costs incurred by Patches, but Duggan said she turned her down. "That wasn't the point," she said. "I want nothing more to do with that family. He took away years of life from me and my dog. Ryan took away the trust I placed in him."
Duggan said she hopes that Hayes serves time in prison for what he did.
"I did not want to believe that Ryan did it deliberately," she said.
"But if there is justice in the world, I want it for Patches."
Duggan said she knew that Hayes owned guns but believed that he knew how to handle them safely. "Any normal person would keep guns in the gun cabinet," she said.
Mortimer did not want to comment Monday, and calls to Hayes were not returned.
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July 7, 2008
8:27 p.m.
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windskull writes:
I`m in no way defending this ignoramus BUT dismissed charges means NO COMPLAINT/LAW BROKEN with the possible exception of libel & slander for citing said crimes here!
July 7, 2008
9:44 p.m.
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superbad writes:
That's not libel, it's mentioning pertinent facts that are part of the public record.
July 7, 2008
10:27 p.m.
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Jennie writes:
What a disgusting scumbag. I hope he gets the maximum punishment possible, as well as hundreds of community service hours where he can pick up after dogs.
July 7, 2008
11:02 p.m.
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windskull writes:
I fully agree with you Jennie but superbad I would put it to you that citing dismissed charges is no different than claiming the other 5 guys placed in a line up who resemble the individual of interest are accessories!
July 7, 2008
11:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
BO writes:
Futtbucker-
That dog was this lady's best friend- not to mention that it seemes the dog liked the guy that shot him.
BTW- I like my dog better than quite a few people I've met (and so do many dog owners), so your point of the dog not being human is irrelevant. Jennie's idea is a good one.
July 7, 2008
11:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
windskull writes:
Futtbucker you are just what anti-gun activists thrive on IGNORANCE!THE FIRST CARDINAL RULE IS ALCOHOL AND GUNS DO NOT MIX...RULE 2 SPECIFICALLY FOR YOU IS ALWAYS STAND ON THE WOODEN END OF THE GUN!
Just suppose the bullet went through the door,floor or exterior wall killing his mother, the other woman even a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk or a child in a passing car? THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK OR KINDLY DON`T!
July 7, 2008
11:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Chadley25 writes:
Guys... let's keep our eye on the ball. "Futtbucker," if the user name alone didn't tip you off, is nothing but a troll, trying to bait and enrage people with deliberately ignorant and incendiary comments. I've suggested that his comment be removed. Don't play his game.
Several years ago, my trashy neighbor got drunk, came into MY yard, and proceeded to beat my dog nearly to death with a fireplace poker (no reason, mind you -- just drunk). So I'm a little biased when it comes to a story like this. I hope that somewhere in that panoply of charges that have been filed against this piece of miserable humanity, there is a felony. When my neighbor attacked my small dog, animal cruelty was a misdemeanor, but the police also got him with criminal trespassing and injury to/destruction of property (since pets are legally property, I guess). He served time in jail (a few days), paid hundreds of dollars in restitution, earned the ire of almost all the neighbors here, and almost ten years on, I still despise the man. There's just no excuse for someone doing this to any animal, let alone a woman's pet.
July 8, 2008
12:28 a.m.
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BMat writes:
Ms. Duggan like a lot of dog owners clearly and tragically over estimated how much other people really like her dog. Mr. Hayes was sick to death of that woman and her dog.
All of you that want him strung up, just relax. If he was a danger to society we would know by now. The man is 49 years old for pete's sake.
He got drunk and shot the neighbor's dog which makes him kinda stupid (which we already know since he'll be 50 years old next year and still lives with his mama). But this ain't exactly the crime of the century.
July 8, 2008
2:38 a.m.
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happymike44 writes:
My dog was dropped on the side of the road and left to die.
I am going deaf and suffer from a hearing disability.
He came into my life at the last few days remaining before he was to be put to sleep.
I shudder that some drunken fool might do this to anyone's dog.
Let alone this poor creature.
I understand the part of him being drunk,what I don't understand is why mama would allow him to drink and keep a gun.
I feel terrible for this poor woman to have something so stupid to happen is horrific.
Two thousand dollar bond is just plain stupid to,what is to keep him from causing any further injury to someone else.
I think he needs to go to a shelter and see the abuse victims in person.
Dogs set on fire burned with cigarette butts a let's not forget the dogs some idiots pour drain cleaner on.
Sometimes I understand true evil when I see a dog abuse victim.
Also if a person will abuse a dog they will also abuse or murder a human as well.
I am truly sorry for poor patches to be so happy one minute and then executed the next.
This guy is a worthless heartless pos perso in my book.
My dog means the world to me and if someone hurt him I don't know if I could stand to see that person in public.
But let me tell you something I would pursue him with animal control till they wished they were someone else on a different planet.
July 8, 2008
3:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
LOUIE writes:
If convicted, throw the fat, drunk, "jelly roll" in prison. People that hurt animals unnecessarily, have a very dark side. Prison is a good place for "jelly roll" to sort out his issues. "Jelly Roll", if I ever was your celli, I'd beat you everyday, make you wear a bedsheet like a diaper, and you'd better bark like a dog when the hacks walk by. Cowards hurt defenseless animals; best therapy is to make you take the dog's place. "Welcome to the Jungle" would be our song diaper boy!
July 8, 2008
7:29 a.m.
Suggest removal
mrfxx writes:
Folks need to learn the definitions of libel and slander before they throw them around.
libel n. A false publication, as in writing, print, signs, or pictures, that damages a person's reputation.
Slander is an untruthful oral (spoken) statement about a person that harms the person's reputation or standing in the community.
Since the Hayes ADMITTED shooting the dog, neither is valid. Even if charges were dismissed, and since Hayes is due to appear in court, the charges listed haven't been, that would not pertain - it would simply mean that the state figured it was a waste of effort to prosecute.
July 8, 2008
7:32 a.m.
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Buckwheat writes:
I've heard of dogs shooting their owners, but not themselves. So how many beers did the dog have?
July 8, 2008
7:33 a.m.
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DakotaBronco writes:
FuttBucker, I realize that you only spew your stupidity so you can get a rise from people. But even you should know that it is senseless rambling. Hopefully you don't have children who have a pet they love dearly. Hopefully you don't have to see the hurt in their eyes should that pet be taken from them in such a neanderthal manner. If it does happen, then you will know how this lady feels. I too hope this ignoramus gets the max punishment. It was no accident, he did it, even though he might have been drunk he was soer enough to make up a story that the dog killed himself.
July 8, 2008
7:51 a.m.
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fleetmack writes:
Wow, as someone who hates dogs, I've got to admit -- this guy is pretty messed up.
July 8, 2008
7:54 a.m.
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davies writes:
LOUIE: Our prisons are full. A person has to try harder than this to get put into prison. Give him some jail time, some community service at the Dumb Friends League, take away his guns, and let his momma keep feeding him, instead of us taxpayers to the tune of $20,000 a year. Our prisons are full.
July 8, 2008
8:04 a.m.
Suggest removal
bilco writes:
Being the loving owner of Big Red Irish Setters for over 32 years, this story makes me sick to my stomach. Throw the book at this moron!!! Either that or give a me a few minutes in a room with him!!!!
July 8, 2008
8:07 a.m.
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Buckwheat writes:
mrfxx;
Cool. I knew i'd learn something new today. Thanks..
July 8, 2008
8:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
freedomfighter1 writes:
Davies
This guy is a harm to others (in this case animals). There are a lot of people in prison for non violent or non personal crimes. I think we should relieve are system of these individuals and put the POS in there.
July 8, 2008
8:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
RJS07 writes:
As a gun owner and an avid supporter of the right to bear arms, I have to say that this is exactly the kind of nutjob that shouldn't have a gun. If he hadn't shot the dog, would he have shot his mother? A neighbor child? He obviously has mental problems that need to be addressed. My sympathy to the lady who lost her dog--it's just like losing any good friend, and this is particularly ignorant.
July 8, 2008
8:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
DahmersCookbook writes:
This is how it starts. First Patches and then humans in 55gal. drums of acid.
-J.D.-
July 8, 2008
8:18 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
This guy is definitely a lowlife and a loser to boot, but the law sees dogs or any other pets as personal property and nothing more. Other than any discharging a firearm or destruction of personal property charges the most he will be held accountable for is the cost of the dog - a couple hundred bucks at most.
Unfortunately, this poor old woman has no recourse unless her sons (if she has any) want to go next door and take her suffering out on his useless hide - a plan I would highly endorse. Maybe the Lakewood PD could arrange to make a donut run right about then...
If it was my dog - there would have been two bloody carcasses being rushed to the emergency room.
July 8, 2008
8:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
BroncoRick69 writes:
Hey man, maybe the dog pissed him off following him all over the place. I'm sure there is more to the story. A guy doesn't just haul off and shoot a dog for no reason. Maybe the dog ate his weed.
July 8, 2008
8:38 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
KaySieverding writes: "Then, if people are keeping guns for self-defense, maybe when they are registered, people could be forced to buy a safe for them."
This is NOT a gun-control issue. This is one drunken idiot, nothing more.
The gun did not kill this dog - the fool behind the trigger did.
July 8, 2008
8:46 a.m.
Suggest removal
freedomfighter1 writes:
Cowboy
I agree. It's not like this guy couldn't have taken his gun out of the safe and did this. Guns don't just shoot themselves.
July 8, 2008
8:47 a.m.
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ryebigeye writes:
When I showed the story to my son Mrs. Duggan's grandson he said Ryan Hayes liked Patches. Thank god mt son was not in the home when this happend as he had spent time there with Patches.
July 8, 2008
8:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
temurlan writes:
OK, I have to go with LOUIE's plan on this one and serve it up with a side of Cowboy63's idea.
Also wish I could be a judge for a day.
July 8, 2008
9:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
Creative_N_Denver writes:
Having a gun in your home isn't the problem. The problem started when Ryan Hayes started drinking. The two don't mix, never have. Mr. Hayes allowed his judgement to be clouded with alcohol. This was no different than Mr. Hayes drinking and driving. Anything could be used as a weapon. He was a ticking bomb before he started drinking, and the alcohol intensified it.
You shouldn't take guns away from home owners-just because of a few people who use lack of judgement. Take away guns from responsible owners and crooks still will have access, however they will no longer have fear when thinking about home invasions, robbery or murder.
Many responsible gun owners use them to put meat on their table(legally)If you don't hunt well that's your right, but don't take away someone elses right to place food on their table just because you won't eat something with a face.
Alarm systems can only get you help if there is an officer available at the time.
Again, the guns are not the problem~ it's the owners and in this case, and alcohol. Is anyone saying ban alcohol? People are not taking responsibility for their drinking, they blame the drinking and many of the times are given lesser sentences. Instead of getting rid of guns, they need to get rid of alcohol. It will never happen I know but the point of this is make people responsible for their actions. Not the object in which they use.
I would hope that Mr. Hayes is treated the same way he treated that little dog and that a judge and jury will make him responsible for his actions!
July 8, 2008
9:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
davies writes:
freedomfighter1 writes: "...This guy is a harm to others (in this case animals). There are a lot of people in prison for non violent or non personal crimes."
There are certainly SOME people in prison for non-violent crimes, but in most instances these people have very definitely gone out of their way to harm others too. Please don't buy into the propaganda from the anti-incarceration folks, who keep talking about all the people in prison for possession of an illegal substance. In most of these cases, the person in question was a known dealer who plea-bargained down to a charge of simple possession.
So if you want a dog-shooter in prison in place of a drug dealer, this would be a realistic trade-off. But don't buy into the fairly tale that there are people in prison who are nothing more than substance abusers - it ain't so.
July 8, 2008
9:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
freedomfighter1 writes:
Davies
My uncle has been in and out (2times) of prison for possession of a controlled substance. I also have two other friends who have been to prison for possession. All 3 served between 2-5 years. Now I have left that lifestyle behind me, moved away, earned a degree and have a family now. It is not propaganda that I am talking about. I know for a fact that it happens. I am not saying my freinds and family should not have been punished (even though using hard drugs carries with it its own internal punishments), but I would rather have someone like this guy in prison instead of these three that I have discussed.
July 8, 2008
9:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
xeeian writes:
Yeah, gun safes stink.
I mean what happens when you are stinkin drunk, and a small dog annoys you?
All that fumbling around and inconvenience.
July 8, 2008
9:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
BigRedCelt writes:
Bmat..are you serious? This drunken fool fireing a handgun is not a threat to societey? I do agree, some folks seem to think evryone loves their dog, but that's no excuse. Had this been my dog there would have been two bloody bodies. This fat POS, drunken fool living with his mom at 49 and killing animals? I hope he gets the maximum penalty. Unfortunately that won't even be enough.
July 8, 2008
9:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
davies writes:
Well freedomfighter, I'd bet that your uncle and friends were dealing on the side then, not just buying for their personal use. And how many times did your uncle and/or friends get probation before they had to do time? I'd rather have them in prison than drunken momma's boy one-time dog shooter.
July 8, 2008
9:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
MsValeriah writes:
This loser is nothing but drunken filth sponging off an elderly mother - look at the fat, greasy pig! He needs to be put away for a very long time, just like anyone who hurts innocent animals or children should be.
July 8, 2008
9:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cwillyrun1 writes:
Anyone here stating it's no big deal, that it's just a dog, is nothing but a dumb m*****f***er! Compassion is definitely not a word you people are familiar with, and when you're on your death bed and you hope and pray you won't die a lonely death, I hope someone comes in and pulls the plug on your sorry lives. Actually, maybe unleashing a rabid pit bull on your a$$e$ might be even better. Just so some of you know, a sign of an abusive person is when they're willing to injure or kill animals for no good reason.
I feel sympathy for Marlys Duggan. For some people, their pets are all they have...... when they don't have friends or family to be there.
July 8, 2008
10:05 a.m.
Suggest removal
freedomfighter1 writes:
Davies
I guess this is were we disagree.
July 8, 2008
10:06 a.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
If you kill someone's dog of 10 years - legally, you are only liable for the replacement value of the "property".
Pets are obviously less than human, but much more than "property". Our laws need to be adjusted to recognize this reality and allow for punitive damages. You have to be able to hit guys like this in the wallet - that is the only thing they understand.
July 8, 2008
10:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
OhBrother writes:
case of PBR-2$
livin with mama untill your 49-free
getting tanked at you moms house untill the point you shoot your neighbors dog in the head at point blank range WHILE your neighbor is in the house WITH YOUR MOTHER-pricless
July 8, 2008
10:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
freedomfighter1 writes:
Cowboy
I'm sure the POS would have his mother pay the fines, in fact, in the article she had already offered to pay. She needs to cut the cord so this guy can maybe just maybe become responsible.
July 8, 2008
10:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
NotUrFriend writes:
Being I own two dogs, and proudly treat them as my kids (show them off, take them on trips, get them steaks, etc) I can easily and without regret say I would put my kids before alot of people I know....Including myself in most situations. If it came down (which it hasn't) to me or them eating its going to be them.
I couldnt imagine my friend killing my dog. I could only say our friendship would be dead, and if I ever had the chance, he'd pay terribly for it. I'd certainly expact prison time, I hope to god he get's prison time. Either it was intential or just stupidity. Perhaps he didnt know it was loaded, and just pointed it at the dog for fun, as sick as that may sound. Either way, I know how close you can become to this wonderful animals, and I can't help but offer my most sincere apologies to the victom here.
I pray for justice, in whatever form it comes.
God Bless.
Isaac
July 8, 2008
10:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
davies writes:
freedomfighter1: Thanks for the civil reply; I was expecting to get verbally reamed. Agreed to disagree.
The weird thing about this story is there are two reports that say the dumbas$ actually liked the dog. It's like his retarded little drunken brain thought he was a little kid playing with a toy gun, or it wasn't loaded, or the safety was on or whatever. And then he reacted like a little kid, too, saying "I didn't do it! I didn't do it!" when it was obvious he had. Maybe he's borderline Developmentally Disabled.
You know, one good law that might make a difference is if a gun owner unlawfully uses a firearm to harm an animal, even though it's not a felony, he forfeits his right to gun ownership for life. I don't think this guy would have connected the dots in this case, but maybe if he had his guns taken away it might make the next guy think twice. Like people have said above, such a person is more likely to harm a human anyway, so revoke his gun ownership rights.
July 8, 2008
10:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
freedomfighter1 - You got a good point there.
If this guy had to go to work to pay rent, buy groceries, etc - he would have been to busy to get drunk and shoot the neighbor's dog. We have too many of these adult children living at home and mooching off their parents. Grow up and get your own life.
Question: Is this guy moving right back into his "room"? His mom should do him and society a favor and tell him to grow up and "hit the bricks".
July 8, 2008
10:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
NotUrFriend writes:
Cowboy,
I agree, had this been my dog, and this person not been a very dear friend nor family....Someone would be going to the E.R. and someone would be going to jail (prabably me).
I dont...think it'd be fair to say I'd be civil, as I'm hot tempered at alot of things. Stupidity, not really. But when that stupidity or ignorance leads to pain or death, than thats something I wont tolerate.
A dog isn't property. A car, phone, book, neckless...are all property. When something is ready to die for you its alot more than property. It's just to bad that is appreciated by people. I wish half the people on this forum were half as noble and loyal as a dog. What we could all learn...
Isaac
July 8, 2008
10:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
Moral of this story: Be particular about who you choose as friends and who you (and your dog, kids, etc) hang around with.
July 8, 2008
11:11 a.m.
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sunshinestate writes:
My sister's cat was shot while out in a field next to the house.Good 'ol cowboy state- this was the first of many realizations about the interior west. Oh,I can hear you now...this can happen anywhere,and it does.Something about a little varmint huntin'...Oh, I can hear the pro gun crowd now...well, I own 22 of 'em,NRA member.No excuse for taking out a cat that very obviously is a pet.
July 8, 2008
11:23 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
KaySieverding and sunshinestate -
I feel for your bad personal experiences but this is still America and we still have the 2nd Amendment protecting our rights.
Responsible gun ownership is NOT the problem. In both of your cases (cat getting shot and friend mistakenly shooting his girl) it was the carelessness/irresponsibility of the gun owners.
Find and deal HARSHLY with the individuals making the choices. The guns aren't the problem.
sunshinestate writes: "interior west"???
I'd be willing to bet there are FAR more shootings and killings on either of the coasts than the entire "interior west" put together.
July 8, 2008
12:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
NotUrFriend writes:
Cowboy’s right.
Owning a gun, and being a responsible gun owner are two very different things. I currently own three, and given the right situation, would not hesitate to use any of them. The only animals I’m concerned with are honest, my fellow man. They’re the only animals that would attack me for little to no logical reason. I know, its sadly happened many times, and it’s the whole reason my father taught me to fight.
I own two dogs, neither of them are for protection. My guns are defensive, only. I’m responsible and appreciative of the kind of power these tools posses. This as*hole obviously is just evil in his heart. Oh, you can hide darkness with smiles, laughs and friendly handshakes….But it always surfaces, like a shark before an attack.
Isaac
July 8, 2008
12:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
Woogford writes:
Instead of taking up prison space, just put him in the pound.
July 8, 2008
12:39 p.m.
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Francesca writes:
NotUrFriend: In a nutshell dude. Well said. The guy is evil in his heart. Plain and simple.
July 8, 2008
1:36 p.m.
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NotUrFriend writes:
PMSexpress,
The real world can be easily boiled down to right and wrong, good and evil. :( This guy is evil and should not be treated mercifully, but we know he will be.
July 8, 2008
2:35 p.m.
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FlyfishDude52 writes:
KayS - You have got to be joking ( you really are aren't you? ) about storing MY guns anywhere but in my posession??? The thoughts that you suggest are ludicrous.
I've yet to hear of any shooting involving one of us who has a concealed weapons permit. It seems that the shooters are usually of criminal intent with unregistered guns.
July 8, 2008
4:01 p.m.
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fiesty writes:
KayS- just because guns have been used by irresponsible owners, doesn't mean they need to be taken away or locked up. What about knives? How many domestic incidents have involved stabbing with kitchen knives, with the victim dying? Does that mean we need to crack down on owning knives? Same applies to vehicles- more people are killed every year by drunk drivers than drunk gun owners. Should we make it illegal to drive, or have to "check out" a vehicle? Of course not.
**The problem is not the instrument (whether gun, knife or vehicle) but in the PERSON.** Gun control law lobbyists need to understand that.
July 8, 2008
4:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
Francesca writes:
fiesty: some people have difficulty separating concepts like that.
NotUrFriend: Sad to say he probably will be treated better than he deserves.
KayS: As far as using non-lethal force defending yourself against an intruder in your home Kay, good luck with that. Hitting the bad guy over the head with a bat only happens in Hollywood. The element of surprise is a powerful tool, especially if you have a plan in place and a possess a good sense of situational awareness. In this scenario, it is very unlikely (note I didn't write impossible) that an accident would take place. Reading the words you write tell the big picture with you. Good luck with that too.
July 8, 2008
9:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
windskull writes:
mrfxx writes:
Folks need to learn the definitions of libel and slander before they throw them around.
Since the Hayes ADMITTED shooting the dog, neither is valid.
First and foremost I refer to the reporter posting dropped assault charges to sensationalize the individuals already questionable disposition in the community this reporter engaged in the very definition of libelous tabloid journalism.
A legal explanation of dropped charges is outlined under false arrest**the pertinent text is RARELY SUCCEED against an officer acting on probable cause.
http://www.nolo.com/definition.cfm/Te...
libel
An untruthful statement about a person, published in writing or through broadcast media, that injures the person's reputation or standing in the community. Because libel is a tort (a civil wrong), the injured person can bring a lawsuit against the person who made the false statement. Libel is a form of defamation , as is slander (an untruthful statement that is spoken, but not published in writing or broadcast through the media).
slander
A type of defamation. Slander is an untruthful oral (spoken) statement about a person that harms the person's reputation or standing in the community. Because slander is a tort (a civil wrong), the injured person can bring a lawsuit against the person who made the false statement. If the statement is made via broadcast media -- for example, over the radio or on TV -- it is considered libel, rather than slander, because the statement has the potential to reach a very wide audience.
false imprisonment
Intentionally restraining another person without having the legal right to do so. It's not necessary that physical force be used; threats or a show of apparent authority are sufficient. False imprisonment is a misdemeanor and a tort (a civil wrong). If the perpetrator confines the victim for a substantial period of time (or moves him a significant distance) in order to commit a felony, the false imprisonment may become a kidnapping. **People who are arrested and get the charges dropped, or are later acquitted, often think that they can sue the arresting officer for false imprisonment (also known as false arrest). These lawsuits rarely succeed: As long as the officer had probable cause to arrest the person, the officer will not be liable for a false arrest, even if it turns out later that the information the officer relied upon was incorrect.
July 9, 2008
12:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
cmcray1 writes:
Hey man, maybe the dog pissed him off following him all over the place. I'm sure there is more to the story. A guy doesn't just haul off and shoot a dog for no reason. Maybe the dog ate his weed.
thas funny
July 9, 2008
11:27 a.m.
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ryebigeye writes:
The police reported the gun as a 357 magnum assuming this gun is a revolver with a double action it takes quite a bit of trigger pull to fire the gun. A gun like this does not just go off by palming the weapon and accidently touching the trigger. I hope in the end the truth will come out.
July 9, 2008
2:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
ryebigeye writes:
BMat you must know Mr. Hayes please tell me more about your coment.