Metro Police sued over raid on home

Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002 | 9:35 a.m.

A Las Vegas family has filed a federal lawsuit that alleges Metro Police in November conducted an unlawful search of their home. The family is also suing the family they allege instigated the search.

According to the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court, Metro officers in hooded masks and military attire broke into the home of Dennis K. Dillard Sr. on Nov. 30. They gave no reason for the intrusion, according to the suit.

Dillard alleges the police "terrorized" him and members of his family by pointing guns at the backs of their heads. He and his son were restrained with plastic nylon ties, Dillard alleges.

The police also forced January Roberts, who was living in another residence on the property, to the Dillard home, the lawsuit states. Roberts is also listed as a plaintiff.

Eventually, a Metro officer told the family the search was the result of information received from the teenage daughter of David and Diana Covert, the lawsuit states.

Nothing of an illegal nature was found at the house, no one was charged and a search warrant return has never been filed, the lawsuit states.

The Dillard family is suing on the grounds of unlawful search and seizure, violation of due process rights, false imprisonment and slander.

David Covert said Wednesday evening that his home was broken into and names of possible suspects were given to police. He referred all questions to Metro, which has a policy of not commenting on pending litigation.