Clayton Helriggle - Victim Of The War Against Cannabis

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On September 27, 2002, 23-year-old Clayton Helriggle of West Alexandria, Ohio, was shot and killed by police conducting a no-knock raid of his home in search of marijuana.

A convicted felon had informed Preble County prosecutors that Helriggle, who worked in his family's garage door business, was dealing marijuana from his rural farmhouse, which also housed four other roommates.

Based on this tip, the nearly 30-member SWAT-style team, clad in body armor and riot shields, raided Helriggle's house on a Friday evening, using a battering ram to open the front door and detonating stun grenades to disorient the occupants of the house.

Helriggle had been napping in his bedroom; when he heard noises from the raid, he grabbed a gun he kept in his room and went downstairs to investigate. An officer shot Helriggle in the chest. He died within minutes, slumped in roommate Ian Albert's arms.

Police eventually seized a small amount of marijuana, a bong, and rolling papers from the house. News reports also cited the seizure of "packaging items used in the distribution of marijuana" (plastic sandwich baggies found in most kitchens) and "pills" (a roommate's prescription pain medication for a knee injury).

The Helriggle family later filed a civil suit against Preble County and 20 named individuals involved with the raid, for wrongful death and violation of Clayton Helriggle’s civil rights.

Later, one of his roommates admitted to selling approximately one ounce of marijuana from the house each week, which led the police informant to tip off police about the farmhouse.

Under Ohio law, possession of less than 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of marijuana is considered a civil citation and brings only a $100 fine and no jail time or criminal record. Possession of between 100 and 200 grams of marijuana (3.5 to 7 ounces) is considered a misdemeanor but brings only a variable fine (around $250) and no jail time.