Tort lawyers and civil rights activists
hurrying to Metairie, La.
Posted on 12/04/2004 7:59:29 PM PST by Pharmboy
METAIRIE, La. (AP) - A man sheriff's deputies had shot twice with a stun gun died Saturday, a day after he was pulled over for driving erratically, officials said. Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office spokesman John Fortunato said Patrick Fleming died at a hospital. Officers had used a Taser stun gun on him twice when he fought with them - once after the traffic stop and then later at the jail.
Fortunato said Fleming, 35, was hospitalized after officers zapped him a second time and his breathing became labored.
Fortunato said the office would have no further comment Saturday. There was no immediate word on when an autopsy would be conducted to determine the cause of death.
A records check found that Fleming was wanted on a charge of criminal neglect of family. Fleming also had a history of resisting arrest and arrests for possession of coca leaves, crack cocaine and marijuana.
Amnesty International reported last week that at least 74 people have died in the United States and Canada in the past four years after being shocked with stun guns manufactured by Taser International Inc. The company has defended its product, saying in the majority of Taser-related fatalities, coroners have attributed the cause of death to heart problems, drug overdose or asphyxiation.
If you pick a fight with cops at the jailhouse, you are going to lose. Everytime.
The headline says they "hit him with the gun". I was wondering why they didn't just shock him with it instead of hitting him with it. Then I read the story. I guess pounding on the guy with the gun could do it, too. Duel use device.
"Duel" or "Dual" - What's the difference when your are talking about guns, right?
Good advice, regardless of the circumstances. You CANNOT win a brawl with the LEO's. Just not going to happen.
Tort lawyers and civil rights activists
hurrying to Metairie, La.
No he didn't deserve to die but the officers involved won't deserve the crap the press is going to put them through over this guys death either.
What are officers supposed to do with criminals when resist arrest? Can't hit them, can't hit them with a club, can't taser them, certainly can't shoot them.
"Oh, okay sir. You don't want to be arrested today? No problem, be a better citizen next time. Thanks."
It's ridiculous especially when you consider that probably a good portion of these people who are tasered and die are probably drunk or on drugs which contributes to their deaths.
I admire anyone these days that has the courage to be a police officer. If the criminals don't get them the press or the lawyers will.
No mention of smack, crack, or PCP in his system?
I have been shocked during my career dozens of times. The last one caused a heart malfunction that I still have problems with today.
I figure one more shock without a doctor and hospital nearby and I will be toast.(It results in atrial fib, and they had a time getting me converted back)
Don't get me wrong...my dad was a cop and so is my son. With that said, I still feel sorry for this dumb perp.
Another victim of "old sparky". No big loss. Just another dead scumbag drug dealer.
Sorry, I wasn't ranting at you, just ranting about the situation in general.
I'm sure you're proud of your dad and son. You must know from both of them how frustrating it can be these days when it seems the criminals have all the rights.
The guy must have really been stuned!
LOL! Thanks for pointing out the journalistic "goof-up", to put it mildly.
They "hit him with the gun". Ah, yes, I can see it now: "Take that! (whap! whap!). And that! (whap!whap!) And that! (whap! whap! whap!)"
Sort of like those other (in)famous headlines:
-- "Police Help Dog Bite Victim."
-- "Man Gets Nine Months in Violin Case."
-- "Farmer Bill Dies in House."
-- "Teacher Strikes Idle Children."
-- "Arson Suspect is Held in Massachusetts Fire."
-- "Stolen Painting Found By Tree."
Another killing. Legalized.
I believe the people, who advocate non-lethal incapacitation devices, may well be deluding themselves.
Why?
It is simply, if sufficient shocking power is delivered to the individual to render him incapable of continuing to be a threat, there is a chance of killing him.
If someone is accidentally killed while being aprehended for CRIMINAL behavior .... too f'n kerry bad!
I said ACCIDENTALLY ..... or killed in self defense - it is their own fault.
Smack dab on the beeber!
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