CLINT WILLIAMS
Copyright 2006 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two Woodstock police officers erred when entering the home of Jeannie Hanie, according to an internal investigation. But it wasn’t a $300,000 mistake, city leaders have decided.
The Woodstock City Council last week rejected a claim filed by Canton attorney Stacy Barnett on behalf of Jeannie Hanie and her adult son, Issac.
Barnett said Monday he will file a lawsuit in federal court, perhaps as early as next week.
The charges leveled by the Hanies arise from a visit to Jeannie Hanie’s home by Woodstock police in November.
Police Lt. Scarlett Woods and officer Daniel Escher went to Hanie’s house in response to a noise complaint by neighbors.
Jeannie Hanie, according to Woods’ report, was uncooperative and combative, arguing with the officers while speaking through a crack in the door. Woods put her foot in the door to prevent Jeannie Hanie from closing it.
When Issac Hanie approached the door, Escher wrote in his report, “I was in fear for Lt. Woods safety and well-being since her foot was still in the doorway.”
Escher pushed the door open and stood in the doorway.
Jeannie Hanie is claiming her wrist and arm were injured when struck by the door, according to the complaint filed with the city.
An internal review by police concluded there was no reason for such an entry into the house.
“I feel that both officers could have handled the call more professionally,” wrote Assistant Chief J. D. Free.
Neither officer put their hands on the Hanies, said Woodstock Police Chief David Schofield.
Both officers got verbal reprimands, Schofield said.