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The fatal shooting of a beloved pet is expected to cost Fresno County taxpayers at least $2 million after sheriff’s deputies upheld a lower court’s decision that violated the owner’s rights and killed the dog unnecessarily, before handing out a court of appeals ruling.
In 2023, the ju judge awarded Veronica Ordaz Gonzalez and her boyfriend, Jose Ramos Santiago. The county appealed the decision to California’s Fifth District Court of Appeal, but lost last Wednesday.
In addition to the damages, Aldaz Gonzalez was awarded nearly $830,000 in attorneys’ fees in August 2023. Fresno County Superior Court ruled that it violated the Bain Act, a civil law aimed at protecting against inferences of threats, threats, threats or coercion.
Nolan Kane, an attorney for Ordaz Gonzalez, estimates that the county’s total paid for the case would be $2 million, with the appeals court fees expected to be at least $400,000.
“I’m all about law enforcement protecting us and doing things properly, but this example seemed like a family controversy,” Kane said. “There are certainly some situations where they need to hurry, but they rushed and acted unnecessary here.”
In a statement, the Fresno County Lawyer’s office, which represents the county and the Sheriff’s Department, said “the county understands the sensitivity of the case.”
Veronica Ordaz Gonzalez, on display at Scooby, said he asked the sheriff’s deputies for a warrant.
(Veronica Ordaz Gonzalez)
“However, I am confident that the officers acted appropriately in response to the threat,” the statement read. “The county is opposed to the court’s decision in honor of it.”
The lawsuit stems from a reported vandalism incident dating back to June 3, 2018.
According to the lawsuit, the couple reported that their son had destroyed the car, causing $500 worth of damage.
The couple told authorities that their son, Jesus Ramos, frequently visited speeches on South Lind Avenue in Fresno, according to the lawsuit.
Deputies discovered a man he believed to be Ramos at his Southlind Avenue home. Her father, brothers Omar Perez, Roberto and Roberto brothers, were inside the house with Santiago, who was sleeping, according to court documents. Ramos was not at home.
“This is [suspect] “My clients didn’t even know who this person was,” Kane said.
One of the agents spoke to Aldaz Gonzalez through the front screen door and asked him to go outside and identify himself. Aldaz Gonzalez said he was leaving the exit just to meet with the backdoor agent.
The aide went to see her at the back door. The adjutant believed that by doing this, she agreed to enter the property.
Another deputy eventually grabbed Aldaz Gonzalez, twisted his arm and handcuffed him, according to court documents.
Aldaz Gonzalez claimed she asked her to show her a warrant, but they didn’t produce it. The lawmakers did not remember being asked for a warrant in court documents.
Eventually, police brought the K-9 unit into the house. According to court documents, authorities tied the Scooby to a tree in their front yard before leading the police dog to their property.
As police searched for Ramos, Scooby loosened from the front yard and ran towards the back of the house, where he was shot by his lieutenant. The dog walked to the porch and died there without assistance, according to the lawsuit.
Kane said his client tried to settle the county for $250,000, but the county fought back for just $7,500 and had no intention of offering a bigger settlement.
“It was something along their lines that we think are too far apart to find a compromise,” he said.
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