Armed Men Dressed In SWAT Uniforms Invade Home And Rob Couple
BY Herschel Smith
7 years, 7 months ago
Before we get to the main subject of this article, let’s cover an incident perpetrated by Carroll County’s Sheriff’s Office in Maryland.
Gaithersburg, Md. – The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is admitting it was a mistake that led to a SWAT raid at a Montgomery County man’s home where he and his family were detained by police.
Israel Orellana has the same name as a man investigators were searching for in a gun theft case. Somehow, Carroll County got a warrant to search the wrong man’s home.
Orellana says he was in his bedroom Tuesday when he heard the noises. He says his mom had friends from church at their home at the time.
“I thought it was my mom’s friends because sometimes they pray and they start dancing,” he said. “So I get up from my bed and I start walking over to my door. And as I’m opening my door, I make eye contact with the SWAT officer and he pushes up against the door with his shield and he slams me against the wall. He starts screaming at me, ‘Stop resisting! Stop resisting!’”
Orellana showed FOX 5 a bruise on his face and scrapes on his arm. He said his hands were tied behind his back and he was taken upstairs to find that his family and his mother’s friends were also detained. He says officers barged in on his 14-year-old sister in the bathroom.
“It was really horrific,” he said. “You feel really helpless during the whole situation. Like you know you’re innocent, you’re telling them you’re innocent, but they just see you as a criminal.”
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office got the search warrant for Orellana’s home and requested that Montgomery County police execute it. According to the search warrant, a man named Israel Orellana was linked to a home burglary where 20 guns and money were stolen. The suspect in the case was identified in surveillance video and investigators believed that Orellana’s driver’s license photo matched that video.
Both Israel Orellanas live in Gaithersburg.
“Stop resisting.” Compliant sheeple, citizens are expected to be. Shooting home invaders isn’t considered a right of citizens, and it’s questionable what a jury would have found, but there is no question that the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals would have given the cops a pass had they shot the man if he had in fact resisted.
This all put citizens in a dangerous position. Men need to protect their families, and single women are even more vulnerable in this calculus. The reason is clear.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Police are trying to catch a group of armed robbers who pistol whipped a couple inside their condo while wearing fake SWAT uniforms.
“I think it made us hesitate enough to give them the jump on us,” Brad Ouellette said. “Just oh, SWAT, maybe the wrong house, what are you doing here?”
The masked men got away with three Rolex watches and five guns. They are also accused of inappropriately touching Ouellette’s wife.
“This reminded her of something she would see in Colombia,” he said. “She never thought she’d see it in America.”
Never forget those words. “I think it made us hesitate enough to give them the jump on us.” As I said before concerning armed invaders and the proliferation of police SWAT raids, “For those of you who are LEOs, do you understand? Does this ring any bells with you as home owners and family members? Does it make any sense to you that this is number 18,399 on the list of reasons not to conduct home raids, even if they are intended to find evidence of wrong-doing?
Well, does it? I hope a LEO weighs in, because it’s crystal clear to me and most readers. In addition to your felt need to “go home safely at the end of your shift,” we have an equivalent need to be safe in our own homes, to prevent flash-bang grenades from being thrown into our toddler’s cribs, to prevent your reflexively shooting our family dogs, and to prevent street thugs like this from raiding our homes under the guise of being police officers.
You see, we can’t just lay down and let people screaming “police, police, get the fuck on the floor, police, police” … come into our homes without countering those efforts with close quarters battle. Because they may not be police.”
The proliferation of military tactics into ordinary policing work in America was first promoted by progressives fighting a war on drugs, but the police-worship is possibly even worse among the “law-and-order” neocons who also happen to be some of the most virulent Northeastern gun controllers.
This is all setting up a national confrontation between the police and those who are being policed, and whether those who are setting all of this up actually understand the hazard this creates for themselves as well isn’t clear. What is clear is that this is bound to get much worse before it ever gets any better.
But you simply cannot lay on the floor waiting for your door to be busted down because the home invaders might be police. No honorable man can do something like that, any more than an honorable man can bust doors in and point guns at other people just because a judge says so.
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On May 8, 2017 at 7:51 am, Talktome said:
On your noting the need to go,home safe at the end of their shift. I like how Leo’s own words convey their thoughts that safety is a zero sum gain. Like only one of the parties get to be safe, and since they have the guns, and law, and courts on their side, guess who wins? This absolutely doesn’t resonate with the police as they are mindless thugs who,think they are somehow special. I encountered one at the local Verizon store and asked about a plate on the front of his car. It was black with a blue 1 and then a * I asked him. What does that mean? Somewhat arrogantly he stated it means “one ass to risk” I said oh, I don’t think they handed those out to us when I was in the rangers, to which he promptly ignored me and moved out. its all about mindset, and I don’t think a lot of cops have the correct one to be dealing with the civilian population that they are purported to serve.
On May 8, 2017 at 9:20 am, CB said:
I love your style, and although no one will ever fill the shoes of Will Grigg, I see shades of his writings in this article.
A recent incident that needs the spotlight is of the death of Balch Springs, Texas resident, Jordan Edwards, executed by a thug-in-uniform.
Thank you.
On May 8, 2017 at 12:35 pm, Tonawanda said:
The relentless daily hysteria over the “opioid epidemic” (as if it were contagious) and the “opioid death crisis” is broadcast and repeated endlessly by “conservatives” who do not connect their hysteria to the almost completed eradication of the 4th Amendment.
On May 8, 2017 at 2:11 pm, David said:
I’m surprised that it’s taken this long for home invaders to start wearing cop gear, but I’m pretty sure it will catch on quickly. I’ve been telling everybody, even cops, how easy it is to buy gear with LEO-labeled stuff on line – Police, SWAT, DEA, ICE, etc., can all be bought online. Hats, jackets, shirts, you name it. And seriously, you have only a few seconds to respond, or you’re a victim. So all my guns are loaded and ready.
On May 8, 2017 at 7:31 pm, Kent McManigal said:
Every home invader deserves to die during the commission of this act. Every one, every time. If cops don’t like that, they can quit and get HONEST jobs.
On May 8, 2017 at 8:25 pm, DAN III said:
There are no good cops. None. Nada. Zip.
There.
Are.
No.
Good.
Cops.
On May 9, 2017 at 6:55 am, WillyB said:
Police aren’t even in the top 10 dangerous jobs. I have a son
who’s a roofer and another son who drives a gasoline tanker
at night to filling stations where the cops don’t dare go.
I’m a retired commercial pilot – we’re always fighting with
the loggers and commercial fishermen for the most deadly job title.
On May 9, 2017 at 7:56 am, Chuck said:
Wow, a lot of Antifa and BLM commenters on the site responding to the article isn’t there? Hey, DAN III, did you type that while having your rectum distended by Bubba the Skinhead at your servicing Fed Pen? Anyone, and I mean ANYONE who is stupid enough to open their door with someone wearing a “SWAT” or “POLICE” sweatshirt, and a ski mask, claiming to be the Police – well, they get whatever their Forest Gump ass deserves – got that whiners? No badge? No display of a warrant? No call to 911 by the homeowner to verify the police? Stupid is as Stupid does. The probability of a legitimate LEO raid team making a “mistake” and raiding a wrong home, your wrong home, is so remote, the odds so astronomically high, you all may as well be commenting on the impending splash down of a Semi-Truck sized Asteroid and subsequent Tsunami wiping out the entire Western US. Come on – what do you all think the odds are anyway? More than 1,000 raids conducted every single day in this country between Feds, State and Local police in all 50 states – and how many are “mistakes”? Sure is a lot of “woof” tickets being sold here by some real internet bad asses. So all you Cop hating wussies that like to talk about how stupid, inept and cowardly the LEOs are, why don’t you get off your fat, twinkie gobbling, cellulite ridden 4th point of contact’s and go join them – make them into the type of LE organization they’re supposed to be? Or are you gutless critics just blowing hot air out both of your methane producing orifices -again?
On May 9, 2017 at 8:34 am, John Galt said:
as always spot on analysis of the current war between .le and .civ…
This is not going away and will continue to escalate, the Overton Window shifting until (perhaps it has already) .civ becomes fed up with this happening to them or folks they know and decide to fight back.
I can envision a scenario where some capable former .mil and/or .civ folks decide to go kinetic on a group of .le as they go about their little raiding party.
Perhaps a fake call is made, swat gets called in, w/out serious site intel/recon (which is their SOP) and they may be surrounded by above individuals, and as tommy tactical end of shift gang stacks up, and attempts to breach, they discover what it is like to be on the receiving end of accurate suppressive fire, rounds penetrating their bodies, no where to hide as they are in a 270degree firefight…
30 seconds its over, shooters have melted away, or perhaps one or more of the shooters has a serious illness, likely resulting in death, and simply does not give a fuck and wants payback and is willing to become martyrs and get their message out.
A good buddy of mine opined: don’t fuck w/men who have nothing to fear or lose.
Gotta ask: what would Michael Collins be doing…..tic tock….
Read Warrior Cop: https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Warrior-Cop-Militarization-Americas/dp/1610394577/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494336841&sr=8-1&keywords=warrior+cop
On May 9, 2017 at 9:34 am, Smitty said:
My weapon of choice for home defense is a 12 gauge shotgun with 8 00Buck Shot capacity with one in the tube at all times. The fake swat robberies have been occurring in my states for some years now. The groups are elaborately dressed down to the body armor with SWAT emblazoned on front and back. We had a spate of robberies a few years ago where the robbers were wearing FBI gear to gain access to the home.
On May 9, 2017 at 10:09 am, Jim said:
Sooooo, what was the name of the judge who signed the search warrant? Did the home owner get a legible copy. This is the info which needs to be published..
On May 9, 2017 at 10:10 am, David said:
Weaponry is second…a distant second…priority. First is to render your home’s entryways highly resistant to immediate breach. Take away the element of surprise and the opportunity for existential mistakes is reduced dramatically. A peaceful violation of the SWATties’ expectations might be all that’s required.
I find it odd that people will spend $,$$$ on their guns but ignore “home improvements” meant to dramatically slow a home invasion (regardless of its “legality”) costing $$$.
Some considerations: Shatter-resistant window films to prevent “break-and-flashbang,” extra-deep deadbolts and hinge attachments on doors, or even a secondary (yes, perhaps unsightly) crossbar on doors tied into the main wall frame on both sides. Each of us should install a video camera and intercom system so we can “answer” our door without unlocking or even being close enough to be shot through it.
Then yes, if forced entry is attempted, a 25-35 round standard capacity magazine may need to be emptied, but odds are that the need to do so will evaporate.
Time is our friend.
On May 9, 2017 at 10:14 am, CB said:
Well Chuck, Antifa? BLM? I think not.
More likely, fed up citizens, tired of the arrogance displayed by “LEOs”.
I say LEOs because that is the term you use.
On the other hand, “Peace Officers” are rare, or aging and passing from the scene.
Possibly a point here is that, frequently, it is difficult to tell the difference between the “official thugs” and the “unofficial thugs”.
So, which virtue(s) can you name that we should owe our allegiance to the LEOs?
You can have the first word.
On May 9, 2017 at 10:32 am, Herschel Smith said:
Don’t feed the trolls. I’ll take out the garbage. Chuck knows better.
On May 9, 2017 at 10:37 am, CB said:
Mr Smith, my apologies Sir.
On May 9, 2017 at 11:12 am, Longbow said:
It is no use. When you attempt to have a rational conversation with policemen about the over use of SWAT type tactics, Chuck comes out. This attitude is prevalent. It says, basically, “I am a superior being. I have contempt for you. I will go home safely at the end of my shift and I don’t give a fuck what happens to you. You “civilians’ need to just submit and comply.”
He doesn’t even blink at the “1000 times a day” statistic. He thinks it is just dandy. There is no use talking.
I agree with the above commenter who said that home hardening is the first step. Those who would attack you will do their damnedest to get you by surprise. If your home is hardened, their surprise tactics won’t work so well. For example, I have often thought of a small courtyard/entry way before my front door. The kind of thing you see in the middle east for example. There would be a channel/funnel for the last ten or fifteen feet before the door, which surrounds the interloper on three sides, and could be equipped with various devices, not including firearms or anything kinetic. Video/audio/PA is a first example. Next might be a high pressure water system with eight or ten outlets. A nice soaking as they stack up to bust a hardened door would be a good start, ya think? Thick plexiglass for windows, imbedded past the window frame would be another good alternative. A homeowner is limited only by his imagination.
On May 9, 2017 at 11:13 am, Herschel Smith said:
@ CB. No problem sir. I can just tell when somebody is trying to bait commenters. That’s what he’s doing. I should probably delete his comment, but he if he actually believes what he’s saying, he is a good example of the neocon who worships LEOs and thus justifies virtually anything they choose to do. This is the bread and butter of the police state.
So either he’s a troll or a fool. I’d have to draw it out of him to know more, but I’d get bored in the process.
On May 9, 2017 at 11:35 am, Archer said:
Somehow, Carroll County got a warrant to search the wrong man’s home.
Excuse me? “Somehow”?
No. They applied for a warrant, and a judge signed it. Presumably after being presented with some evidence, or perhaps not. It’s no real mystery how they obtained the warrant. The mystery is which judge signed it, and on what credible evidence, if any.
“So I get up from my bed and I start walking over to my door. And as I’m opening my door, I make eye contact with the SWAT officer and he pushes up against the door with his shield and he slams me against the wall. He starts screaming at me, ‘Stop resisting! Stop resisting!’”
Does anyone else have any doubt that the victim was not resisting at all? Or that the sole purpose of screaming “Stop Resisting!” at a man who is not resisting is to justify shooting him before actually doing so? Something tells me that particular (and notably unnamed) “officer” went home disappointed that he didn’t get to fire at anything.
[T]here is no question that the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals would have given the cops a pass had they shot the man if he had in fact resisted.
See above. The Court of Appeals would probably give the “officers” a pass for shooting a man who is not in fact resisting, as long as the “officers” can articulate some hunch or feeling that he might have resisted.
None of this will end well.
On May 9, 2017 at 12:04 pm, Archer said:
@Talktome: I like how [LEO]’s own words convey their thoughts that safety is a zero sum [game]. Like only one of the parties get to be safe, and since they have the guns, and law, and courts on their side, guess who wins?
Believing that everything in the world boils down to a zero-sum game seems a pretty consistent philosophy among statists. From economics, to religious matters, to public safety, the idea that everyone’s lives can be improved without taking from the “top” X% is alien to them.
On May 9, 2017 at 1:31 pm, DAN III said:
Chuck@0756,
Hey, pretty cute and ignorant remarks you made there Charles. Just to be clear I have no use for ANY of your beloved badged thugs. From the Barney Fife types through the Jose Guerena murdering bastards to the excessive numbers of fedgov badged bastards who represent the tyranny of a fUSA run amok. None of them represent Freedom or Liberty. Sadly they represent the increasing subjugation of a citizenry abused by those once thought to be public servants. Yet, here we go again, another copsucker such as yourself rears his ugly head spouting the garbage that many people identify with cops and government employed scum in general.
For your edification, be aware:
There.
Are.
No.
Good.
Cops.
On May 9, 2017 at 2:21 pm, The Gray Man said:
What does it say about our law enforcement when the criminal thugs on he streets start imitating the actions of the LEOs in order to victimize people?
Hm…
On May 9, 2017 at 4:06 pm, Frank in Spokane said:
“progressives fighting a war on drugs”
Could you please elaborate? I’ve been under the general impression that it’s “conservatives” who’ve primarily been prosecuting the war on drugs.
On May 9, 2017 at 4:46 pm, Herschel Smith said:
@ Frank: Good question. I’m under the impression that the progs were primarily first interested in this because it’s part and parcel of their whole philosophy of inner city control to ensure the success of their social program wet dreams.
The neocons go along because they are “law and order,” by God. If you made it illegal to work between the hours of 1200 – 1201 on Wednesday, they would favor putting cameras in everyone’s office and using the power of the district attorney to imprison violators.
Just because.
On May 9, 2017 at 4:48 pm, Herschel Smith said:
@Frank: I would add that it’s no accident that the Northeastern progs (gun controllers, control freaks, etc.) come from a long line of Puritans, even if they threw away the theology long ago.
And it’s no accident that the more libertarian South comes from a long line of Congregationalists. Even if they threw away the theology long ago.
On May 10, 2017 at 5:31 am, GmSteffen said:
As a former police officer of 30 years, 1973 through 2002, I witnessed a complete change in police operations. When I started there were no swat units and yet we managed to deal with dangerous situations and serve warrants without a big production. Usually it was you and your partner who would serve the warrant, if problems arose you called for back up. Years later I observed swat units becoming more prevalent and guess what if you have the unit and have spend money to fund it they are going to use it.
It went from calling swat for hostage or barricaded suspect incidents to using swat for even the simplest warrants. It seems that swat units are now the busiest units around. I am saddened to see the militarization of civil police and deplore how these units are employed today. When I started no one ever said it was imperative to go home safely at the end of the shift. I was told to be safety minded, cautious and use common sense, but not at the expense of another life.
I know there are cop haters out there but to say ALL cops are bad is a complete misstatement.
On May 10, 2017 at 7:59 am, Fred Lewers said:
There are no good cops. A good man, an honest man, a man with personal integrity WILL NOT sacrifice that integrity to protect a colleague from the consequences of poor judgment or consequences for abusing citizens. Unfortunately, most LEO have sacrificed their integrity because of ‘team’ ‘personal safety’ ‘intradepartmental trust’…. A thousand different buzz words to describe it, but it boils down to this: The supposed honest cops have chosen to be part of an organization that has deliberately turned its back on the very people they’re supposed to work for. It starts at the top.
No societal unit (family, church, company or city) will exceed the expectations and standards idealized and achieved by the leadership of that group.
In short, if the mayor and police chief are self serving opportunists with no respect for the rights of the citizens, then all of their subordinates will adopt the same standards and actions.
On May 10, 2017 at 9:40 am, FrozenPatriot said:
@GmSteffen, I submit that the “all cops are bad” generality stands, because the ones that you think of as less bad are not taking down the obviously bad ones, but instead protect them inside the thin blue line brainwashing. Giving a fellow government enforcer a pass on bad behavior is in itself bad behavior, thus there are no good cops. This also applies to all judges, prosecutors, etc., as they’re all on the same team and all know of the bad apples, yet do nothing.
On a similar thread, the longer those behind the thin blue line consider the rest of us their enemy, the more we’ll continue to agree. Actions have consequences.
On May 10, 2017 at 8:14 pm, m gross said:
GmSteffen, Thanks for your service and comment. As a 30 year ED physician I can assure people that there are good cops out there, I work with them all the time. But there are some bad apples, too, and the progressive militarization of enforcement does no good at all. It generates a barrier between the citizens and the force, and reinforces the idea that it is appropriate to use overwhelming force, and violence, against the citizenry that the police are supposed to be protecting. How does the use of a SWAT team to enforce a warrant at night square with the Fourth Amendment against unreasonable search and seizure? Remember, “unreasonable” refers to the actions of the government, not to those being searched.
On May 11, 2017 at 7:57 pm, Ned said:
I have a friend who is a former LEO. He’s always astounded at the calls around here that bring out SWAT, replete with helicopters.
Says that back when he was an officer, he, and anyone else from his department, would have knocked on the door, asked what the trouble was, and handled the situation without anyone getting killed. Heck – his department didn’t even have SWAT. Guess that makes one want to handle situations like a human being.
On May 12, 2017 at 6:48 am, Fred said:
@Hobo, I don’t qualify for my local LEO. My IQ is too high and I ask that dreaded question that no good jackboot should ever ask; ‘Why?’