Maryland Roommates Sue County and Police Over Warrantless Entry and Dog Shooting

The lawsuit alleges illegal apartment entry, unjustified detention, and unnecessary shooting of a pet dog, seeking $16 million in damages and highlighting a history of police misconduct in Prince George's County.

Four roommates in Prince George's County, Maryland, have filed a lawsuit against the county and three police officers, alleging illegal entry into their apartment, detention at gunpoint without justification, and the unnecessary shooting of their pet dog, Hennessey, which was later euthanized.
The incident, which occurred on June 2, 2021, began with the officers responding to a report of a dog bite at the apartment complex where the plaintiffs lived.
The officers allegedly entered the apartment with a master key given by a maintenance worker, claiming they had 'probable cause' and did not need a warrant.
The lawsuit accuses the officers of panicking and shooting Hennessey, who did not attack them, and then handcuffing the plaintiffs and detaining them in police vehicles for about an hour.
The lawsuit, seeking at least $16 million in damages, also alleges a history of police misconduct in Prince George's County, citing several incidents of excessive force and unlawful searches.