In a “stunning” decision this week, a federal appeals court in California limits stun gun, or Taser, usage by police officers. Voting unanimously, the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Taser usage could be considered “excessive force,” and should be used by police only when a suspect poses an immediate threat to the officer or to others.
In making this ruling, the court opened the door for Carl Bryan—the victim of such Taser usage—to proceed with his civil suit against the officer and the city. During a traffic stop in Coronado, California, Bryan was cited for failure to wear a seatbelt. After a brief verbal exchange, Office Brian McPherson used the Taser against him—an action that threw Bryan to the pavement and dislodge four of his teeth. The justices considered this 2005 traffic stop to be an example of the “excessive use of force’ of a Taser because Office McPherson did not appear to be in immediate danger from Bryan.
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I am not able to confirm this report.
If it's true, sucks to be Taser International.
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