Michael Grendell, the man whose house in Dixmont was blown up by Maine State Police in June of 2018, has filed a lawsuit against several officers and an official from the state Attorney General's Office.
Grendell's attorney, David Bate, says his client is seeking clarity as to why police detonated a bomb after responding to a call that Grendell was experiencing a mental health crisis and needed help.
"Second, he would really like to make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again," Bate says. "And I think, lastly, he's asking for compensation. He's been through a lot of hardship. "
In June of 2018, Maine State Police were dispatched to Grendell's home after receiving a call that he was experiencing a mental health crisis. After they spent 20 hours trying to draw Grendell outside, officers detonated a bomb which leveled the house and severely injured Grendell.
Bate says Grendell sustained serious injuries from the blast, has hearing loss, and now uses a cane. In his notice to the state in December that he intended to file a lawsuit, Grendell sought $120 million in damages.
The AG's office declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Originally published 2:34 p.m. Sept. 13
