Axeel Melendez, 24, has filed a $176 million lawsuit against Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and the county itself after being shot and left paralyzed by sheriff’s deputies. The lawsuit alleges that the shooting was the result of dangerous incompetence during a false swatting call, according to The New York Post.

Melendez’s attorney, Dev Sethi, stated that Melendez had warned the sheriff’s department about an online hacker threatening to call in a bogus bomb threat at his home but was reassured that “nothing’s going to happen.” Less than 48 hours later, someone impersonating Melendez reportedly called the sheriff’s department claiming his father had shot his sister.

The legal filing claims that deputies fired seven shots, hitting Melendez in the leg and spine, which caused his paralysis. It also alleges that Melendez had called 911 prior to the shooting to notify law enforcement of the threats he had received.

Sethi described Melendez as “a shooting victim whose life will never be the same,” adding that Melendez faces years of medical treatment and significant hospital bills.

In a related matter, Carlos Palazuelos and two family members have announced plans to sue the Pima County Sheriff's Department for $3 million after deputies raided his home and arrested him in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Palazuelos was detained and later released during the investigation.

These legal actions highlight ongoing scrutiny of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff Chris Nanos.

Sources