Tucson, Arizona — A 24-year-old Arizona man has accused sheriff’s deputies of ignoring repeated warnings about a possible swatting attack before shooting him inside his home during a response to a fake emergency call.
The incident left Axeel Melendez permanently paralyzed from the chest down, and he is now seeking $176 million in damages through a legal claim filed against the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and other county officials.
Man Says He Warned Authorities About Swatting Threats
According to the notice of claim, Axeel Melendez contacted the Pima County Sheriff’s Department on April 8 after hackers allegedly obtained his personal information while he was playing online video games.
Melendez told a 911 dispatcher that the individuals were threatening to make false emergency reports to police unless he paid them. He said they warned they would falsely claim he possessed a bomb or create another dangerous situation at his home.
During the call, the dispatcher reportedly reassured him that the threat would not trigger an armed police response.
According to the filing, the dispatcher told Melendez:
“They can’t just call SWAT on you. That’s not how that works. Nothing’s going to happen.”
Melendez’s attorneys say investigators later confirmed that at least one threatening call was fraudulent and assured him that notifying authorities in advance would help prevent any future swatting attempts.
Fake 911 Call Triggered Armed Police Response
Less than 48 hours later, someone allegedly impersonated Melendez and placed another 911 call.
The caller reportedly claimed that Melendez’s father had shot his younger sister inside the family’s home near Tucson.
Investigators later determined the report was likely another swatting attempt, but the legal filing alleges dispatchers and responding deputies failed to connect the emergency call with Melendez’s earlier warning.
The notice of claim argues there were several warning signs indicating the report may have been fake, including conflicting details from the caller, the absence of expected background sounds during an alleged shooting, and the use of an out-of-state phone number.
Deputies Broke Into Home Before Opening Fire
Believing they were responding to an active shooting, deputies arrived at the residence and attempted to make contact.
Unable to enter through the front door, deputies allegedly used a shovel to break a rear bedroom window before entering the room.
According to the filing, Melendez was inside that bedroom holding his mother’s legally owned handgun after hearing the window shatter and believing someone was breaking into the home.
Within seconds of entering, deputies fired eight rounds.
Melendez was struck by two bullets, suffering a shattered leg, broken ribs, and a devastating spinal cord injury that permanently left him unable to walk.
His attorneys argue that he was acting to protect himself and his mother from what he believed was a home invasion.
Attorneys Say Shooting Was Preventable
Attorney Dev Sethi said Melendez followed every step authorities had instructed him to take.
According to Sethi, Melendez reported the swatting threats immediately, sought help from law enforcement, and trusted assurances that officers would recognize any future false emergency calls.
Melendez’s mother, Carmen Melendez, who was inside the home during the shooting, recalled finding her injured son moments after gunfire erupted.
She said he looked at her and told her:
“I love you, Mom.”
The legal filing also states that Melendez’s injuries ended his plans to pursue a career in automotive engineering after completing trade school.
County Has 60 Days to Respond
The notice of claim names multiple deputies, dispatch personnel, county officials, and the Pima County Attorney’s Office.
Melendez is seeking $80 million from Pima County, another $80 million from the sheriff’s department, and $16 million for the emotional distress allegedly suffered by his mother.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has declined to comment because of the pending legal matter.
Under Arizona law, county officials have 60 days to respond to the notice of claim. If no settlement is reached, Melendez may proceed with filing a civil lawsuit.
Do you think law enforcement agencies should have stricter protocols for verifying suspected swatting calls before using tactical force? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
