Arrest & Taser Incident
Thu, 2010-05-06
Around 11am on Monday May 3rd 2010, police officers on Par-La-Ville Road in Pembroke encountered a 53 year old Hamilton parish man whom the officers had occasion to arrest in connection with an outstanding warrant. As they attempted to do so, the man attacked the officers and a violent struggle took place. One officer received minor injuries during the fight at which time he drew his Taser device from its holster and pointed it at the man. The man promptly complied with the directions of the officers and he was safely arrested. He was detained in custody until Plea Court the next day where he was charged with three offences: Using Offensive Words; Violently Resisting Arrest and Assault on Police. He pled “not guilty” to each of the charges.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Michael DeSilva commented: “Given the media attention this incident attracted and the fact it was our first use of Taser, I undertook a review of the video and audio recording the device captured once it was drawn from its holster. I invited Minister Burch along as well so that we could satisfy ourselves whether the device had been used properly. I can confirm that the Taser was not activated in this incident; the officer pointed the device at the subject to encourage him to stop fighting. Not surprisingly, the man gave up quickly and there was no further incident. The officer then used verbal commands and handcuffs to secure the subject, but the Taser was there in case he attacked again. The officer did exactly what he was trained to do and I am pleased that our first incident demonstrated the effective and safe use of the device. While no-one was actually “tased” on this occasion, the deterrent effect of the device is clear.”
“We also spoke directly with one of the people who had originally contacted the media about the arrest. We explained the incident in more detail and hopefully relieved any anxiety they may have felt. I have considered releasing the video to help educate the public on the use of the device and its accountability measures, but it would not be appropriate to do so until after the man’s charges are heard at Court. Once that happens, I may consider doing so at a later stage.”
