CLIFTON, Colo., Sept. 16 (UPI) — SWAT officers in Colorado conducting a raid a home reportedly full of methamphetamine instead found an innocent family with five children.
According to the Denver Post, authorities from various agencies extended apologies to the family after they said they received out of date information which led to the accidental raid.
“We are deeply regretful of the experience to which this family was subjected,” Grand Junction police and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We have met with the family, including the children, to explain in detail how such a mistake was made.”
SWAT members descended on the Mesa County condominium on Tuesday causing damage to the entrance and interior of the home.
The residents told CBS Denver they were shocked and confused by the incident, but thankful the sheriff’s office would replace the door, windows and carpet which was left full of broken glass.
Police received the original tip from a woman, who provided detailed information about the amount of drugs and where they were located.
Grand Junction police spokeswoman Heidi Davidson said there was no indication the tip was fabricated, but said it should have been investigated more thoroughly.
“It should have been vetted better,” she said. “We should have done a better job from the beginning.”
