Libertarian ping! To be added or removed freepmail me or post a message here.
Posted on 07/20/2008 12:43:55 PM PDT by LibWhacker
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Family members are angry and speaking out after Dayton police used a stun gun on a woman who is blind and suffering from cancer. Police said they were looking for a suspect when they knocked on Denise Harris's door Thursday morning. But according to both police and witnesses, things quickly got out of hand and Harris was tased.
"She was able to force herself down on to the floor and not be cooperative, grabbing on to the detective. A taser was dry stunned onto her arm to control her hand movement, then she was cuffed," said Sgt. Charles Anderson.
Her family said she was yelling at officers because she was scared.
"She was terrified. She was extremely terrified," said Harris's niece, Dionna. "She was scared because the person identified themselves as a police officer. But she's been robbed before by someone using the same technique."
They said police used unnecessary force when officers came to the Fernwood Avenue apartment looking for Harris's son, who is wanted. Officers said Harris attacked a detective.
"She's blind and they pulled her off her Futon, handcuffed her and tased her because he said she swung at him. She can't see," said Harris's sister Elvita Harris. "I'm very frustrated and upset. Dayton police need to implement a sensitivity program."
Neighbors said they told officers she was blind and sick.
"It was heartbreaking," Brenda Miles said. "I was almost in tears because I know the lady and I look out for her because she's blind."
Harris was taken to Good Samaritan for treatment.
The officers actions will be investigated, but Sgt. Anderson said Harris should have told them she was scared.
"She does not have to open her door. It was a voluntary thing for her to open her door," he said.
Harris is now facing charges for assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.
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Yep, Its not a big reach. Why does being blind or having cancer excuse you from life’s rules? We are not talking about a rational or cooperative citizen. Its like the blind man offering his seeing eye dog a biscuit so he knows where his head is and therefore kick his ass.
A blind person is not less strong or deaf because they are blind. They do not have less rage. Had she been physically restrained and suffered real injury there would still have been whiners.
She was Tazed and Confused.
Officers said Harris attacked a detective. “She’s coming right for us”
You were right (check posting #22).
Well, that'll teach her...!
She must have been one HUGE blind sick lady for the cops to be so fearful
"She does not have to open her door. It was a voluntary thing for her to open her door," he said.
And deprive them of the fun of just kicking it in?
Libertarian ping! To be added or removed freepmail me or post a message here.
Dayton should be proud.
Never let them in unless they have a warrant.
Screw that. Administrative punishment -- 20 lashes.
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