Botched Spanish commands during a SWAT raid lead to a federal lawsuit in Colorado after a K-9 attack.
Salvador Alonso Guerrero-Salmeron, a Mexican musician visiting the United States on a tourist visa, is suing Aurora police officers in Colorado after a bizarre SWAT raid incident on March 3, 2023.
During the operation to arrest another resident, officers used a loudspeaker to shout incomprehensible Spanish phrases that mistranslated to fart police, fart the wood before breaking down his bedroom door.
The tourist claims a police dog named Loki was ordered to attack him despite posing no threat, according to information published by dexerto.
Colorado SWAT raid leads to bizarre translation errors
The incident unfolded when a SWAT team surrounded a rental property in Aurora to arrest a fugitive living at the location. Officers used a loudspeaker to issue evacuation warnings in English and Spanish.
However, the Spanish translation used by the department became a central point in the federal lawsuit. Officers repeatedly announced, pedo policía pedo la madera, which a professional translator later confirmed means fart police, fart the wood.
Adding to the confusion, another officer chimed in over the loudspeaker to declare that someone had just ordered the taco plate, leaving the occupants completely baffled by the instructions.
Tourist bitten by police dog during Aurora raid
Guerrero-Salmeron, who was inside his rented room, initially believed that criminals were breaking into the property. He texted his landlord to call the police as the chaotic situation escalated outside.
After arresting their actual target, officers breached the musician's bedroom door. According to legal documents, the victim was unarmed and holding his identification and tourist visa when the K-9 unit entered.
Police dog Loki was ordered to attack, biting his arm for approximately 15 seconds. Attorney Luke McConnell argued that the heightened level of force was completely unjustified since his client presented zero threat.
Lawsuit highlights excessive force and false arrest claims
Following the dog attack, Guerrero-Salmeron was arrested for failing to obey a police order. One officer allegedly told him not to speak Spanish, demanding that he speak English instead.
The initial charge against the Mexican tourist was eventually dropped. However, the injuries sustained during the incident have reportedly affected his ability to play music professionally.
The responding officers maintain that their actions were entirely reasonable, noting that the occupant failed to follow instructions for over an hour. A judge ultimately ruled that a jury must decide the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Salvador Alonso Guerrero-Salmeron suing the Aurora police?
The Mexican musician is suing Aurora police officers in Colorado for excessive force and malicious prosecution after a police dog attacked him during a botched SWAT raid.
What did the police officers mistakenly shout in Spanish?
Officers repeatedly shouted pedo policía pedo la madera over a loudspeaker, which a translator confirmed translates to fart police, fart the wood.
What injuries and legal consequences did the musician face?
Guerrero-Salmeron suffered a 15-second arm bite from a police dog named Loki, was briefly arrested for disobeying orders, and faced ongoing impacts to his musical career.
