Apparently you can also be so lax in your job you can't count to five (townhomes). You can make assumptions in a serious situation. (gate open, must be the place) You can point a deadly weapon at someone with zero justification. (laser dots) You can lie in court. (we didn't hear him) etc. etc.
These guys screwed up just about every way possible. I would've acquitted the homeowner too in about 30 seconds. No-knock raids will result in nothing but injury and/or deaths. Anyone - any savvy home invader - can bust through your door and yell "Police!" Until you see a uniform, credentials, and you have called the police to verify they have personnel there you have little reason to believe Joe-Schmoe is law enforcement. I have had family members "pulled over" by fake cops in fake unmarked cars with lights in the grill. Luckily my niece was smart enough and had good enough instincts to floor it and call the real cops when the punk approached her car door.
No-knock raids and the subsequent killings of people and pets serve as recreation for LEOs. It is computer gaming for wannabe SEALs who lack the mental requirements of SEALs.