An investigation co-published Monday by ProPublica and The Atlantic points out the potential for maiming and death from flash-bangs, the stun grenades used by police during drug raids. It's an issue Minnesota should know well. Back in December 2011, the city of Minneapolis paid $1 million in compensation to Rickia Russell, a woman who suffered bone-deep burns after a Minneapolis police raid in 2010. The city called it an accident and no officers were disciplined or charged.
Flash-bang grenades under scrutiny nationwide
A ProPublica investigation examines the sometimes lethal consequences of police use of incendiary devices.
By James Shiffer
January 12, 2015 at 7:25PM
Our followup story noted the toll of flash-bang deaths and injuries nationwide, including a tragedy in Minneapolis in 1989 in which an elderly couple died in a fire caused by a police grenade. Three years later, however, it appears that the growing national "disquiet" has not stemmed the popularity of a device that police say makes them safer.
The ProPublica story features a database with accounts of people injured or killed by flash-bangs. One of the accompanying documents is the lawsuit filed by Russell against the city of Minneapolis, which includes the gruesome photos of her injuries.
about the writer
James Shiffer
The returns were filed on behalf of themselves and others, according to federal prosecutors.
