A Denver jury has granted a $3.76 million settlement to Ruby Johnson, a 78-year-old grandmother, whose home was mistakenly raided by police based on a false Find My iPhone alert.
The incident, triggered by an allegedly stolen truck, lacked “probable cause” and violated Johnson’s constitutional rights, the Jury said in his announcement.
Small Step Towards Justice
The compensatory damages total $1.26 million, with an additional $2.5 million in punitive damages.
Denver police had obtained a search warrant using information from the Find My iPhone app, mistakenly connecting Johnson’s residence to the alleged theft.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, representing Johnson, stated that the compensation is a “small step toward justice.”
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring police accountability for home invasions without probable cause, according to the ACLU.
Johnson’s representatives said the old woman was still suffering from trauma and emotional damage she had to go through in the raid.
