Police Storm Wrong Apartment, Resident Dies of Heart Attack

WABC News NYC ^ | May 16, 2003 | Art McFarland

[Unknown Freeper]

(Harlem-WABC, May 16, 2003) — Police smashed down an apartment door and used a flash grenade in their search for a potentially dangerous suspect. But it was the wrong apartment, and the woman who lived inside is now dead after suffering a heart attack.

Police smashed down an apartment door and used a flash grenade in their search for a potentially dangerous suspect. But it was the wrong apartment, and the woman who lived inside is now dead after suffering a heart attack.

What happened at 310 W. 143rd Street was meant to be the end result of a drug investigation based on confidential information from a police informant. But it is now among the most tragic errors of the NYPD.

Lucille Ross, Building Resident: "She was such a lovely person. If something was to happen with her like this, I want to know why."

The search warrant was apparently issued for apartment 6F in the multi-unit building. It was the home of Alberta Spruill.

Today Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said it was based on what investigators thought was reliable information. But it all turned out to be a terrible mistake.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly: "Entry was made by officers from our Emergency Services Unit who used a flash grenade during that entry. Once inside the officers found the occupant, a 57-year-old woman, identified as Alberta Spruill. She was briefly handcuffed while police conducted a cursory search of the apartment. The patrol captain then entered, and saw that the apartment did not match the description given by the informant, and immediately ordered that the handcuffs be removed."

The commissioner said Ms. Spruill soon told officers she had a heart condition, and then complained of chest pains. EMS was called to the scene and administered aid. But Ms. Spruill died a short time later at Harlem Hospital.

Commissioner Ray Kelly: "On behalf of the entire New York City Police Department, I want to offer my condolences and sympathy to the family of Alberta Spruill. I also want to offer my apology. This is indeed a profound tragedy."

Calvin Alston, Building Resident: "We're all just devestated. Really devestated. Because this is a woman that got up and went to church every day ... went to work every day. And we're all just devestated that this would happen to someone like this."

Police Commissioner Kelly did say a "flash grenade" was used at apartment 6F before officers entered. It may be the use of that flash grenade broke procedure. The ESU lieutenant who used it is now on administrative leave pending the investigation. Those grenades have been used 85 times this year.

And NYPD tells us only four mistakes out of 1,900 search warrants have been made this year. The investigation of this tragedy continues.

[A CA Guy]

Congratulations illegal drug users for getting others killed because you can't get off the drugs. How selfish and dangerous.

[yarddog]

Ok, I get it. You are being sarcastic.

At least I think you are.

You are being sarcastic aren't you?

[coloradan]

Another tragic death because of people using illegal drugs and forcing enforcement of law.

This person didn't use illegal drugs - and is dead. Her blood is on your hands.

[tacticalogic]

It is ashame these illegal drug users can't follow the law and sober up as to stop these side deaths, they are as selfish as they come.

Reminds me of the guy who would smack his wife, and then say "Now look what you made me do!".

[vikingcelt]

"If it keeps one joint out of a kid's mouth, her death was worth it." Give me a break!!! I hope you were being sarcastic.

[Spottys Spurs]

"If it keeps one joint out of a kid's mouth, her death was worth it."

Sorry pal, but you are dead wrong! The NYPD screwed up big time. And no death, when it's this wrong is worth it!

[A CA Guy]

I am with you 100% in being anti-drugs.

No, it is none of this woman's fault, she was just in real poor health.

The fault lies on the backs of illegal drug users who like rapists force us to enforce the law and occasionally causing unintended casualties.

[george wythe]

Congratulations illegal drug users for getting others killed because you can't get off the drugs. How selfish and dangerous.

Did you mean to post to your children or siblings?

[farmguy]

A special effects grenade shouldn't be able to kill a normal healthy person. They would use that in riot control as well. I wonder what pre-existing condition caused her poor health. This lady must have been health wise a walking time bomb.

Ah. yes, that's it. If she would have lived, they should have arrested her for not registering her illness with the police department!

[A CA Guy]

This is due to selfish illegal drugs users and dealers. Not anyone slapping females!

[A CA Guy]

no!

[IronJack]

Can you say "Criminal Negligence?"

[tracer]

The dog had a heart condition, too, and died at the ASPCA.... (not really)

[philetus]

MODESTO, Calif. (September 14, 2000) - An 11-year-old Modesto boy was fatally shot early Wednesday morning when police SWAT team officers on a federal narcotics sweep raided his parents' home. Police said the shooting was an accident.

No matter how many children are killed, If it keeps one joint out of a child's mouth, their deaths were worth it.

[mikenola]

Wonderful escalation in the miltaristic tactics being used by law enforcement.

My question: Why risk an entry into the apartment? Wouldn't it be more efficient to just fire a HE tank round or two through the window? That'll send a message to those deviant, and subversive teenagers smoking weed!

One should ask the anti-drug crowd, how far should these tactics go? What price are you willing to pay?

The war on drugs is an ugly stain on the soul of this country, IMO.

[tracer]

They would have turned her over to the FBI, which would have busted her as a terrorist for the nitroglycerin tablets in her purse....

[tacticalogic]

This is due to selfish illegal drugs users and dealers. Not anyone slapping females!

This is due to obsessive narrow mindedness to the point of irrationality.

[tracer]

"My question: Why risk an entry into the apartment? Wouldn't it be more efficient to just fire a HE tank round or two through the window?"

Hey, The Authorities don't have time to mess with state and federal environmental impact statements...

[tracer]

OK, if it keeps three joints out of three kids' mouths.....

[frodolives]

Apparently, you need to actually write the word "sarcasm". Better get out the sharpnin' stone, there's a coupla dull tools around here today.