New Mexico Police Officers Who Wrongfully Shot a Man While Responding to Wrong Address Face Lawsuit

The family of a New Mexico man, Robert Dotson, who tragically lost his life when officers responded to the wrong address, has filed a lawsuit, alleging "extreme, unreasonable actions" on the part of the officers that led to his death, per ABC.

The incident occurred when three Farmington, New Mexico police officers, who were responding to a domestic violence call late in the evening on April 5, mistakenly went to the residence of Robert Dotson, specifically house number 5305 instead of the intended 5308, according to state police reports.

Body camera footage released by the police department depicted the officers knocking on the door and announcing themselves repeatedly, followed by a debate on whether they were at the correct address after receiving no response.

Tragically, as the officers departed, Robert Dotson emerged from his residence, holding a handgun. The officers opened fire, resulting in Dotson's fatal shooting.

New Mexico Police Officers Were 'Willful, Malicious, and Reckless,' Says Lawsuit

The lawsuit filed by the Dotson family asserts that they were upstairs in their home when the police began knocking, rendering them unable to hear the officers' announcements.

When Robert Dotson opened the door, he was blinded by the flashlights held by the police officers. The tragic result was that he was shot 12 times, according to the lawsuit.

The suit explains that Kimberly Dotson, unaware that police officers were present in her front yard, began firing her weapon, USA TODAY noted.

In response, the officers fired 19 shots in her direction. Afterward, the lawsuit claims that Kimberly Dotson, along with her two children, was detained and handcuffed by the officers.

According to the suit, she remained unaware that it was the officers who had fatally shot her husband until she was informed of this eight hours later while at the police station, where she was detained.

The lawsuit alleges that the officers violated the rights of Dotson and his family as protected by the federal and state constitutions.

It characterizes the officers' conduct as "willful, malicious, and reckless."

The family is seeking compensation through this legal action and advocating for changes in how the police department hires, trains, monitors, and retains its officers.

They seek greater awareness about the circumstances surrounding Robert Dotson's tragic death.

Sued New Mexico Police Officers Attorney Blames Computer-Aided Dispatch Terminal in Patrol Vehicle

The police chief has described the shooting as tragic and pledged cooperation with New Mexico State Police investigators. The investigation is now complete and is under review by the state attorney general's office.

Attorney Luis Robles, representing the officers involved, echoed the chief's sentiments, expressing regret that the incident occurred.

He explained that the lead officer relied on a computer-aided dispatch terminal for navigation, which incorrectly placed the pin at the Dotsons' home instead of the caller's residence, AP reports.

Robles disagreed that their use of technology amounted to reckless disregard, emphasizing the tragic nature of the incident.

On the other hand, Tom Clark, one of the New Mexico family's attorneys, firmly places the blame on the officers, asserting that they opened fire without identifying themselves as law enforcement.

Clark believes a jury will ultimately rule in their favor regarding the legality of the officers' actions.

The family's lawyers have also raised concerns about training and oversight within the Farmington Police Department concerning the use of force.

They argue that damages should be awarded to discourage such conduct by other cities and police departments.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: New Mexico police fatally shoot man after approaching wrong home - From NBC News