Rust Fan Sues Police After Swatting Incident Leaves Him Paralyzed

A 23-year-old man from Tucson, Axeel Melendez, is suing police for $176 million after he was paralyzed in a swatting incident. On April of this year, Melendez was shot in his leg and spine by two officers who entered his house through the bedroom window, responding to a false report of an active shooter. Despite Melendez having previously warned the officers of his potential target, the incident occurred.

The officers had been alerted to Melendez's situation through a 911 call he made, fearing a swatting attempt. The officers assured him that nothing would happen, even visiting his home to provide further reassurances. However, two days later, the same officers stormed his house again, this time after a call about a shooting incident by his father.

A video released of the incident shows the officers entering his house, warning him and ultimately firing their weapons. Melendez, who was wearing noise-cancelling headphones, only realized the intruders were police when his window was smashed. Before the incident, Melendez had been a victim of hacking, who threatened to release personal details unless money was paid.

He did not comply and was subsequently threatened with swatting. Melendez, a passionate Rust player and engineering enthusiast, has expressed his desire to return to his dreams of an F1 engineering team and soccer. Police have declined to comment further on the matter.