Public Complaint No. 1699673949 - 885245772

On June 27, 2023 two animal control workers arrived on our property stating that they received an anonymous complaint that we were running an illegal boarding facility. I explained that we had spoken at length last summer with animal control, city planning, code enforcement, and city hall, all of whom stated that there were no ordinances prohibiting what we were doing and no licensing was required. The male worker stated that animal control was under new management and what I was saying was false. I asked multiple times what steps we needed to obtain licensing, to which he refused to answer. He finally stated that they would have to first inspect the premises, so I invited them up to the house. While in our home the female worker stated that we had to have licensing to run our business, and since we didn't they were going to shut us down. My husband told them we weren’t shutting our business, to which they replied that they were writing us a citation for the business. They then asked if we had proof of rabies and tags for our dogs; to which I explained animal control had told me we were not required to have city tags and that our vet records were still packed away from our move. Cliff told them to leave, and the woman insisted Cliff give them his identification. He told them he didn’t need to identify himself in his own home and that they could stick the citation in the mail. He told them again to leave our property. They then went out of our yard onto our driveway. 15 minutes later, two police officers arrived and spoke with Cliff. He stated there was no reason for animal control as we had already spoken with everyone regarding licensure and were told multiple times that there was no ordinance prohibiting what we were doing. The officer asked for names and Cliff stated that he would have to ask me as I was the one who spoke with them. I offered to step outside instead of talking through the window. As I went over the notes, the officer stated he knew Brandy and would call her and speak with her. He then asked for Cliff’s ID for the citation and Cliff stated that animal control had no authority to write a citation for our business, then turned to walk inside. I went to follow and was stopped by Blazer. He asked if I had ID and I stated I didn’t have it on me. He then blocked access to my home and said if Cliff did not bring his ID out that I would be arrested. Cliff yelled something from inside, and Blazer reacted by pulling out his handcuffs and stating I was going to jail. When I tried to set my phone on the window ledge he yanked my arm behind my back. I asked if I could set my phone down; he replied “I’ll put it down for you” and took it from me. He then walked me to the patrol car. 20 minutes later Blazer came down and ordered me to give my name and birthdate. I will point out this is the first time he requested my identification, 20 minutes after he put me in handcuffs and treated me like I was a criminal. He then directed me to step out of the car and stated we were getting citations for not having proof of rabies or city tags. No mention of citing the business was made. I was then escorted back up to my house, and on the way Blazer handed my phone back to me. Instead of placing it on the window ledge as he claimed he would, he chose to confiscate it without a warrant. After they left, my husband called to file a complaint with the Shawnee police and an officer came out that night to have me fill out a form. The following day, captain John Goss called and stated that an officer has the right to detain someone who is obstructing an officer. When I pointed out that my husband was the one who chose not to comply with the officer yet I was the one arrested, he maintained that the cop was in the right. When I asked what right the cop had to confiscate my phone without cause, Goss stated he would look into it. I have since called on 6/30, 7/3, and 7/5 requesting an update, only to receive no answer. My husband called the county sheriff, who stated that a cop can not illegally detain someone unless that person has given them cause. We received a letter from Captain Goss July 31, which stated they found no violations of policy. We received a copy of the police report August 4, 2023 which has numerous false statements as can be proven by our security cameras. Most notably, Blazer stated I attempted to push past him and that was why he put me in handcuffs. However as our video footage shows, I made no moves during my conversation with Blazer. It also stated animal control informed us they were citing us for not having our dogs’ vaccination records available; however, while in the home the female animal control worker told us they were citing us for our business and we would be shut down.I submitted a request for the bodycam footage of animal control workers Teresa Touchet and Corum, and officers Jacob Blazer and Gary Moore. We received partial footage of Moore’s camera but the Shawnee Police claims Blazer did not have his camera at the time.