FAMILY SUES DOOR-BUSTING COPS

Suspect's Parents Say Raid Terrorized Them, Granddaughter

A Brampton family says it became collateral damage in the war against
guns when heavily armed police broke down their front door.

Henry George McCool Sr. accuses Toronto Police of being negligent for
barging into his home on Sept. 15, 2005 in search of his son, who did
not live with his father at the time of the arrests, in a gang
crackdown dubbed Project Flicker, a statement of claim filed yesterday
said.

The family wants $2.75 million in damages for the incident, which they
say has left the mother and father coping with depression and their
8-year-old granddaughter with a "continuing fear and distrust" of
police officers that has led to frequent nightmares.

None of the allegations contained in the statement of claim have been
tested in court. Police were served with the lawsuit yesterday and
offered no comment.

McCool Sr. was home with his wife, Eloney, and granddaughter, Desirae,
when police came through the front door and handcuffed him, putting
him face down on the floor in front of the young girl, the statement
says.

Police did not investigate to determine whether the son, Henry
George-McCool Jr., lived with his parents and simply concluded he was
at the family house because his employer sent mail to that address,
the suit claims.

When McCool asked why the cops were searching his house and
handcuffing him, an officer allegedly said, "Your son is involved in
criminal activity."

Project Flicker led to the arrests of 40 suspected members of the
Ardwick Bloods Crew. McCool Jr. was arrested on 19 raps, but 15 were
withdrawn. McCool Jr. pleaded guilty to four charges, including
possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.