Chicago: Taser sends Black teen into cardiac arrest
/A 14-year-old boy went into cardiac
arrest after police shot him with a Taser stun gun, raising new
questions about a weapon that is already the subject of a federal
investigation. The boy was regaining consciousness Wednesday but was
not yet talking, said Cook County Public Guardian Robert Harris. Police
spokesman David Bayless said the 6-foot-2, 220-pound boy, a ward of the
state since 1999, attacked three employees at the group home where he
lives Monday, and an officer used the Taser because the boy lunged at
him. Taser International Inc. spokesman Steve Tuttle said the company's
stun guns, which deliver 50,000 volts of electricity, "are among the
safest alternatives available to law enforcement to subdue violent
individuals." The Securities and Exchange Commission recently announced
an inquiry into the Scottsdale, Ariz., manufacturer's safety claims.
The Arizona Republic has reported 84 deaths after a shock from a Taser
since 1999. The 6-foot-tall, approximately 200-pound boy had struck
staff employees and threatened firefighters reporting to the scene,
according to Cargie. When an Albany Park District sergeant attempted to
calm the boy in a general room at the group home, the boy "jumped" off
the couch toward the sergeant, causing him to use the stun gun, Cargie
said. But, officials at the public guardian's office say the teen was
no longer violent when officers arrived. The boy was taken to
Children's Memorial Hospital, but Cargie could not say if he was taken
due to injuries sustained from the Taser gun or for previous injuries.
He remained at Children's Memorial Tuesday night and his condition had
stabilized, Cargie said. Only Chicago Police sergeants carry Taser guns
and are trained in their use. The device shoots darts carrying
electrical impulses that override the central nervous system long
enough to subdue someone.
[more] and [more] and [more]
[more] and [more] and [more]
- Pictured above: "It's very inappropriate what happened to the kid," said Cook County Public Guardian Robert Harris. [more]
- Man hit by cop stun gun dies [more]
- Despite Rising Death Toll, Police generally pleased with Tasers [more]
- DCFS To Sue Police For Using Taser On Teen [more]
