City pays $25,000 without admitting guilt

Rockwell and Leonard Taylor.

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures.

In its decision, the appellate court determined that there were “genuine issues of material fact as to whether the police officers acted reasonably.”

The court noted that police waited 20 minutes after entering the home and firing on the dogs, and it concluded there was a “genuine issue of fact as to whether the dogs attacked” police.

“Our belief was that there was no reason to shoot the dogs,” said attorney Cal Potter III, who represents Thurston.

He said the case involved a situation “where it’s her word against the SWAT officers.” Potter said his client agreed to the settlement.

“She had stated that it was never about money,” the attorney said.

The case was resolved after a mandatory settlement conference. The parties stipulated to a dismissal in March.

Sanchez said the city agreed to pay a total of $25,000 to Thurston and her lawyer without admitting fault or liability.

“We don’t think our officers did anything wrong, and I understand Mrs. Thurston has a differing opinion,” Sanchez said. Contact reporter Carri Geer Thevenot at cgeer@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710. Find her on Twitter: @CarriGeer