Posted on 03/01/2005 11:04:12 AM PST by socal_parrot
AURORA, Colo. -- Aurora police are reviewing a weekend incident in which a man accused of stealing salad from a Chuck E. Cheese salad bar was hit with a stun gun twice by officers.
The incident began at 4:05 p.m. Sunday when officers were called to the restaurant at 145005 East Exposition on a report of a larceny in progress.
Police talked to the Chuck E. Cheese manager who told them that a customer had refused to show proof that he had paid for food. The manager said the man was seen "loading" his plate at the salad bar.
The officers confronted Danon Gale, 29, who was at the restaurant with his children, aged 3 and 7. Patrons said the popular kids pizza parlor was packed with children and families at the time.
According to police, Gale was asked to step outside to discuss the incident.
"According to witnesses (Gale) refused to cooperate with police and a struggle ensued," said Larry Martinez, a police spokesman. He said that Gale became argumentative and shoved one of the officers, a fact disputed by another patron.
"One of the officers kept poking the gentleman in the chest," Felicia Mayo told the Rocky Mountain News.
She was there with her 7-year-old son. She told the newspaper that Gale told the officer "You don't have to do that." She said Gale never put his hands on the officer who was confronting him
The argument escalated until Gale was shoved into the lap of Mayor's sister, who was sitting two booths away, holding a 10-month-old baby. That's when police pulled out a Taser stun gun to subdue him.
"They beat this man in front of all these kids then Tased him in my sister's lap," Mayo told the newspaper. "They had no regard for the effect this would have on the kids. This is Chuck E. Cheese, you know."
Gale's two children were "screaming and hollering and crying" as Gale was tasered with two times with the stun gun.
Police arrested Gale as his children and other customers watched. They took him outside, leaving his children inside the restaurant.
Gale was arrested for investigation of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and trespassing.
His two children were picked up by a relative.
The manager of the restaurant declined comment and Gale said he couldn't talk about it, after hiring an attorney.
Cops generally give you a big chance to step outside and settle the situation. But if this guy was still arguing...and getting pretty angry...then the taser is the preferred method to take him down. My only issue is that this is Chuckie E Cheese...and what kind of message does this send to future customers of the establishment?
LOL!
I give them the benefit of the doubt...but there are a small number of real loser cops that should be ashamed to wear the uniform as in any profession.
This guy should have just walked outside to talk to the cops. HE is the one responsible for forcing the cops to subject children to violence. >>>
Maybe he didnt want to leave his kids inside alone.
I'm a cop supporter too - I didn't teach my kid that the police are bad. I think a little extra understanding is in order, even if one acts abusive for no rational reason. I know I sure wouldn't want that job.
I do have concerns when incidents escalate for no reason and somone gets hurt, and like any good American I want to believe that all police are just, good, and not bullies or worse. Like any rational American, I know that all are not just and good. When dealing with police, it is smart to be polite and non-confrontational, and remember that they can kick your ass for fun and claim they "felt threatened." 99.9% won't, but why play the odds?
lol.
yeah, we agree.
Wow. Some people take a while to learn, don't they?
"...but there are a small number of real loser cops that should be ashamed to wear the uniform as in any profession."
Yep, I have had run-ins with a few. I always came out on top by keeping my head and taking it to the judge. Once, a Louisiana policeman took my Mississippi license (state property) and my car which was registered in Mississippi and took me to jail for not having proof of insurance in my vehicle. Never mind that Mississippi did not require it at the time AND I was in Louisiana.
I bailed out, got a ride back to work and called a local judge. 20 minutes later, I had my car, my license and I got a check in the mail from that town the following week for the bail I paid.
My point is, if one is wronged by a police officer, there are proper ways to get retribution. Trying to face him down on the spot is not the way to go.
Yes they do still sell beer and wine (I work as a shift manager at a Chuck E Cheese), but guests are limited to only 2 cups of beer or wine per visit.
I can say that in my store, this whole incident would have been handled much differently.
From experience I can tell you that many times the guests DON'T hold onto their reciepts.
your brother needs his ass whooped.
That's like asking if any Democrat is rational....
You're sounding more and more like Hillary with each passing day....
For some reason when I ever went, when my daughter was younger, I always had a splitting sinus headache.
(But will make sure to leave a nice tip if I ever wind up there again . . salad? Me? No! Heavens no.)
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