Woman's apartment accidentally damaged by flash bang device

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga - Members of the DeKalb County SWAT team set off a flash bang device outside of a woman’s window to act as a diversion during an overnight raid at different apartment. The device was intended to land on the ground and detonated, but instead it blew out the woman’s window.

It happened Thursday night at the Midway Manor in Decatur. Police was serving a search warrant relating to a narcotics investigation at the complex at the time.

Amirah Allen, who lives at the apartment, spent the day at home on Friday trying to deal with the aftermath. She said she wants an apology and to have the cost of repairs covered.

“They should have come to me and apologize… Nobody apologized. Nobody had no remorse. Nobody didn't care even,” said Allen.

The SWAT officers targeted a unit 50 feet away from her apartment. She wasn't home at the time, but she cannot help to wonder what if she or someone else was there at the time.

Police said there are procedures in place to prevent injuries from such devices.

“Of course, we don't want anyone in the way. It’s always look first and then tossed into an area where it's believed to be safe. In his particular incident, the homeowner was not home,” said Capt. Stephen Fore with the DeKalb County Police Department.

Police said they contacted the leasing office and under they were impression that they would replace the window immediately. The leasing office was closed and the county did not follow up with her which left to fend for herself overnight.

“It is wrong. You say you are DeKalb County and you care and we protect and serve. I had my window opened all night,” said Allen.

“It was accidental and like we said, we do apologize to the resident for any inconvenience this may have caused her,” said Capt. Fore.

Allen said this could have been avoided if they fixed the window on Thursday night. The leasing office did promise to fix the window. She said in addition to the apology and her window getting fixed, she wants to be reimbursed for the day she had to take off to deal with the situation.