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OGDEN -- An Ogden couple says police left a big mess in their home, after a long stand-off with their neighbor over the weekend. Now they're wondering who's going to pay to clean it up.
Lauri Fowers was speechless when she saw her room at the Western Colony Inn on Saturday.
"We haven't got much, but what we have is basically gone," she said.
Friday night, Ogden police officers moved into her home to gain access to Fowers' neighbor, Jason Valdez, who was wanted on a drug warrant. Members of the SWAT team were in the room for much of the 17-hour standoff.
"I was shocked. Oh, I didn't know. I just sat here and looked at it," Fowers said.
We haven't got much, but what we have is basically gone.
–Lauri Fowers
There are several large holes in the sheetrock, a black residue on the walls and two water bottles filled with urine still sitting on the bathroom sink. There's debris all over the carpet.
"They completely destroyed the bathroom and everything in it," she said.
The motel's owner, Shawn Soltani, said it will cost $8,000 to $10,000 to remodel the room. He's still trying to find out who will foot the bill.
"We want to change the bed, glasses, windows, carpet, sheetrock, especially the bathroom," he said.
The Fowers, who live with their daughter and two young grandkids, have moved to another room two doors down. They hope to be reimbursed for ruined clothes and toys.
"Half of our clothes had to be discarded. All our food that was out, like your bread and stuff, had to be discarded," she said.
Ogden police would not comment on the case.
Lt. Danielle Croyle said Assistant Chief Randy Watt is coordinating with Risk Management to resolve the issue. Croyle said Watt is planning to release a statement at a later date.
Ogden's Risk Manager, Ron Bell, couldn't comment on the case because it's under investigation. Bell said, generally, anyone can file a claim through his office for review.
E-mail: syi@ksl.com
