The Pima County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Chris Nanos are facing a $176 million lawsuit filed by Axeel Melendez, 24, who alleges he was paralyzed after deputies shot him during a swatting call in April. Melendez’s legal team has filed a notice of claim, signaling intent to sue the department and county officials for alleged negligence and reckless conduct.
Melendez’s account states that he was targeted in a swatting incident—a criminal prank involving fake emergency calls—after an online hacker threatened him. On April 10, someone impersonating Melendez called 311, a non-emergency line, claiming his father had shot his sister at his address. Deputies responded, breached his home, and fired seven shots, striking him in the spine and leg, according to the lawsuit.
Deputies’ response reportedly included smashing a bedroom window with a shovel and entering the home with guns drawn. Melendez, who was armed with a legally registered firearm, said he moved to hide behind a door when he heard the commotion. His attorney, Dev Sethi, alleges that deputies were warned in advance of potential swatting threats but failed to prevent the incident.
Key developments in the case:
- July 24: Melendez and his mother filed a notice of claim against the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Chris Nanos, and 13 deputies, naming them in the lawsuit.
- April 10: The swatting call was made to 311, not 911, and originated from an out-of-state area code. The caller mispronounced Melendez’s first name.
- Prior warnings: Melendez had previously contacted deputies about threats from a hacker who stole his personal information during an online video game, demanding a ransom to return his accounts.
Sheriff Nanos’ office has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department previously stated in an incident report that the swatting call was determined to be fake, and deputies notified Melendez that he "should be alright."
Legal and procedural context:
The lawsuit alleges that deputies engaged in "rash decision-making and recklessly dangerous shoot-from-the-hip mentality," resulting in a complete spinal cord injury and a broken leg for Melendez. The claim seeks damages for medical expenses, lost earning potential, and emotional distress, totaling $176 million.
Melendez’s attorney argued that the incident stripped him of his independence, health, and sense of security, emphasizing the long-term consequences of the shooting. The legal filing contends that deputies failed to follow standard protocols for swatting incidents, despite prior warnings.
Background on swatting incidents:
Swatting is a criminal act where individuals make false emergency calls to provoke a heavily armed police response. The tactic has been linked to multiple high-profile cases, including incidents targeting public officials and private citizens. In this case, the call was made to 311, a non-emergency line, which is unusual for swatting attempts.
Sheriff Nanos’ role in the Nancy Guthrie investigation:
Sheriff Chris Nanos has been involved in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, a case that has drawn significant public attention. The lawsuit against him and his department adds another layer of scrutiny to his leadership and the operations of the Pima County Sheriff’s Office.
Next steps in the legal process:
The notice of claim is the first step in a potential lawsuit. If the claim is not resolved, Melendez’s legal team may proceed with a formal lawsuit against the county and sheriff’s office. The defendants will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations in court.
Statements from involved parties:
- Dev Sethi (Melendez’s attorney): "Our justice system recognizes the dignity of a human life and the importance of the completeness of your body. Axeel’s health, his independence, his ability to earn a living, his sense of security—that’s all been stolen away from him."
- Pima County Sheriff’s Department (via incident report): Deputies determined the swatting call was fake and assured Melendez he "should be alright."
Ongoing implications:
The lawsuit raises questions about law enforcement response protocols for swatting incidents, particularly when prior warnings have been issued. It also highlights the potential consequences of false emergency calls and the need for improved training and prevention measures.
The case is expected to draw further scrutiny of the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and its handling of both swatting incidents and high-profile investigations like the Nancy Guthrie case.