Cops Raid Wrong Duplex With Noise Device

Associated Press

NAMPA, Idaho - Police in this southwestern Idaho town raided the wrong duplex, throwing a powerful noisemaking device through the unit's window and standing outside with guns drawn.

John Simpson, convinced he was under attack Wednesday, said he hit the floor of his home, and took his wife down with him.

"I guess we're going to have to seek psychological help, I hate to say that," Simpson said Thursday. "I'm not nuts or anything, but I'm still shaking. Put a shotgun next to your ear and pull the trigger to get an idea of the noise."

A Nampa police officer had confused Simpson's window for that of residents who share a duplex with the 62-year-old Vietnam veteran, Assistant Chief Tim Vincent said. Police had intended to serve a search warrant in the adjacent unit. The officer threw the so-called "flash-bang" device in the window, breaking the glass and setting off a loud noise and light.

Simpson, a house painter, said he picked up the first thing he could find - a vacuum hose - and ran out the duplex's door to defend himself.

The police department quickly fixed the window, Vincent said. The agency also will pay for any other damages, he said. Because the officers were involved in a drug investigation, the raid was considered a high-risk operation, Vincent said.

Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms officials assisted.

Police subsequently arrested Simpson's 20-year-old neighbor. They allege he had 4 ounces of marijuana with the intent to deliver.