Axel Melendez, 24, became a victim of SWATting after a hacker accessed his computer under the pretense of checking for cheats in Rust. The hacker compromised Melendez’s accounts and threatened a fake police call. Melendez preemptively contacted 911 and the sheriff’s department about the potential attack, but authorities dismissed his concerns.

Two days later, an unknown individual made a fake call reporting a shooting at Melendez’s home. Police arrived with weapons, broke a window, and opened fire. Melendez, believing intruders were breaking in, grabbed his registered firearm. The shooting left him with multiple injuries, including damage to his shoulder, ribs, spine, and thigh. The spinal injury resulted in paralysis of his lower body.

Melendez spent months in the hospital and is undergoing long-term rehabilitation. He filed a lawsuit against Pima County and the sheriff’s department, seeking $176 million in compensation. The lawsuit accuses law enforcement of inadequate response to warnings and excessive use of force. The investigation is ongoing, and local authorities will make the final decision on potential payouts.