UPDATE: Man Tasered At Mall

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Reporter: Zac Schultz
Email Address: zschultz@nbc15.com

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Updated Thursday -- December 27, 2007 -- 4:30pm

Do you think police acted appropriately in this incident?

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Madison: The man Tasered in the West Towne Food Court on Christmas Eve has been through this before.

NBC 15 has learned a nearly identical incident occurred in 1998 in the East Towne Food Court.

The 911 call came in on Christmas Eve on a mall pay phone. An anonymous caller said a man had a silver gun tucked into his waist band and was standing in the middle of the West Towne Mall food court.

Madison Police responded and saw Major Lemon. "They saw a person matching that description in the middle of the food court," says Sgt. John Rife.

A Madison Police source says normally police would approach with guns drawn, but they didn't because the mall was crowded, so they decided to get the suspect's hands before he could pull a weapon.

"He had his hands in his pockets. They didn't know if he was armed or not," says Sgt. Rife.

Lori Edwards was eating at the food court that day and witnessed the whole thing. She says police moved in with no warning. "They put their hands in his pockets, underneath his coat. He was like, what's going on? Another police officer came and I could see what looked to be a taser in his hand. He came in with a calm down, calm down, and then hit him in the back of the right leg, by the upper hamstring. They both hit the floor."

We interviewed Marisa Lemon, Major's wife, after the incident. "My husband and me were standing in the mall at the food court. The next thing I know policeman came up and started grabbing his hand and trying to put it in the back. The next thing I know we're put on the floor and we're tased."

Police did not find a gun, but still cited Major Lemon for resisting arrest.

This was not the first time this has happened to Lemon. According to Police records, a similar incident happened during the lunch rush on December 30th, 1998.

An anonymous caller used a pay phone in the East Towne Mall food court to report a man with a gun at his side. The description again matched Major Lemon, and police approached silently and grabbed his hands.

Lemon resisted and was hit with pepper spray. Again, police found no gun.

We had scheduled two different interviews with Major Lemon to talk about these cases, but he did not show up for either.

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Updated Monday -- December 24, 2007 -- 5:51pm

Madison police who used a stun gun on an unarmed man this week are defending their use of force, even as the man's family threatens a lawsuit against the department.

An officer used a taser, Monday, on a man identified as 44-year-old Major Lemon. Police responding to a report of a man with a gun say Lemon resisted attempts to escort him from West Towne Mall.

Police Sergeant John Rife says officers tried to get information first, and only escalated the situation when they had no choice.

Tara Emery-Walls is the general manager at the nearby Arby's. She thinks officers overreacted. She says there were a lot of people shopping there, including kids.

One stun-gun probe hit Lemon and the other hit his wife. Relatives say the family is now considering a lawsuit.

Lemon was cited for resisting and obstructing arrest.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Posted Monday --- December 24, 2007 -- 1:36pm

Concerns over a reported handgun lead to police tasering a man at West Towne Mall.

On Monday afternoon squad cars surrounded an area near the food court.

Madison police got a call saying there was a man with a silver handgun in the food court area at West Towne Mall.

Police arrived and found a man matching the description of the person who supposedly had a gun.

Police say they went up to the man and tried to talk to him and the situation escalated.

John Rife of the Madison Police Department says, "There was some discussion and it appeared he was going to try to punch one of the officers. Their feet were all full of snow as you can see out here so they were trying to hold onto him and were unable to do so because of the snow and wet conditions."

Police ended up using a taser to take control of the situation.

The man's family members say police acted inappropriately. The man is identified as 44 year-old Major T. Lemon.

Police did not find a weapon on Lemon.

Police say he appeared to be fine, but they were taking him to the hospital as a precautionary measure.

He was taken to St. Mary's to get checked out but has since been released.

Police say they were focusing on the safety of the Lemons, other mall patrons and officers.

The incident is still under investigation.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Hans Location: Madison on Jan 2, 2008 at 11:18 AM
My final word is that we are all uninformed when we respond to the comments on this website. Those who have critized one way or the other on this topic do not have any right to make assumptions about other viewers' credentials, as I have not. As you can read in my original posting, I did not critize the knowledge level of the police force but stated the fact that many of them are no different than the average Joe. 1 more thing...I see nothing rong with my speling nor my grammer. Perhaps you need a review yourself.

Posted by: Brad Location: Madison on Jan 1, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Rich from St Louis, They did tell him to get his hands out of his pocket. He refused and thus got tased (as he should have). Bottom line is when the cops tell you to do something...DO IT!

Posted by: Rich Location: St. Louis on Dec 31, 2007 at 12:20 PM
If the police doesn't provide at least a verbal warning for him to remove his hands, how can they expect the man to comply. Black men, like myself, feel no need to resist being attacked simply because it is by the hands of "officer friendly" types. Only white folks think they did the right thing, because you all live a different existence and for the most part are ALWAYS given the benefit of the doubt. All you see in Major Lemon is a black man who could have possible brought you harm. You don't see a son, husband, or brother (birth). All you see is a stereotype being played out.

Posted by: Donna Location: Middleton on Dec 30, 2007 at 11:15 AM
Has anyone checked the voice on the 911 call and the man arrested? Sounds awfully similar to me. This could be a set up by this person to sue the city and get cash for his "false arrest."

Posted by: M Location: Madison on Dec 29, 2007 at 01:10 AM
The sad part is, if the cops hadn't acted as they did, they would still get criticized. It's simple, if you are approached by an officer, how hard is it to simply do as they ask, If you are not guilty, there really is nothing to worry about. I praise the cops for responding to the threat immediately, they did their job and the people who are not happy with that should wake up and watch the news. There are way to many crimes this day and age for cops not to respond to a "phony tip" as someone said in their post. As others have said also, what if it had been a real threat,and they police had not acted as they did, the folks who are criticizing them would of course then get mad that the cops didn't respond immediately and in the end, they just aren't doing anything to satisfy you folks... I for one am happy they took immediate action. And to Lynn of Harfiled, if you read any of the other posts, the witnesses did not back up that the police were in the wrong.

Posted by: Mayhem Location: Madison on Dec 28, 2007 at 08:57 PM
It's nice to see people stick up for the cops. Yeah, Edward, I agree with you. Hans, you were trying to poke fun at the cops, making them out to be idiots instead of posting a reasoned opinion. So sad.

Posted by: Mayhem Location: Madison on Dec 28, 2007 at 08:53 PM
It's nice to see people stick up for the cops. Yeah, Edward, I agree with you. Hans, you were trying to poke fun at the cops, making them out so be idiots instead of posting a reasoned opinion. So sad.

Posted by: G Location: Madison on Dec 28, 2007 at 07:13 PM
I love how all these folks say the police acted inappropriately. Yet, nobody else has a better solution. Police can't take these tips lightly. All the guy had to do was take his hands out of his pockets and let the cops DO THEIR JOB. We can't have tragedies happen like the one in Nebraska earlier this month.

Posted by: Edward Location: Madison on Dec 28, 2007 at 06:53 PM
No Hans, your intention was to make a snide, uninformed remark about the educational level of cops. You should come clean and admit it. It amazes me that, when a story like this comes out, you feel the need to claim it's easy to become a police officer. If believing the cops are knuckle-dragging troglodytes makes you feel better, good for you. As far as the responding cops are concerned, maybe you're right. By the way, it's not that challenging to get a masters degree. I'm glad you can do better with your degree. The next time new MPD hires are announced, look up the corresponding news article and checkout their backgrounds. Not that you care, or would. It's very sad that, even when presented with the facts, your reaction was to criticize the cops with your atrocious spelling and grammar. Good luck with your job search. You'll soon find a BA is yesterday's HS Diploma. As if having a degree made someone smart, but you and your ilk keep bringing that up.

Posted by: lynn Location: harfiled on Dec 28, 2007 at 06:50 PM
Who the heck cares about ccap aren't you a nosy busy body. Get a life. The police were in the wrong and the witness accounts back this up.

Posted by: Darrin Location: West side Madison on Dec 28, 2007 at 06:31 PM
I was at West Town Mall on Christmas Eve having lunch with my wife and 17 month old son at the time of this incident. I was three tables from the altercation and I witnessed exactly what happened and what was said. Two police officers approached from the direction coming from Stir Fry 88. The two police officers walked up to the man. The younger bearded police officer asked the man to pull his hands out of his pockets. The man immediately got defensive and started yelling "What are you doing?" The two struggled for a second and then the Black man grabbed the bearded police officer around the neck and began chocking him. (no one has mentioned this) The other larger police officer attempted to restrain the black man's right arm, since the left arm was on the police officers' neck. The struggle continued and moved more into the middle when another cop arrived and immediately tasered the larger black man. The wife was assisting the husband by attempting to push the officers away.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Sauk County on Dec 28, 2007 at 05:09 PM
Perhaps "Peacemom" and the rest of the knee jerk peace-nicks out there who were ready, willing, and more than happy to jump to the side of Mr. Lemon, should check out CCAP, and you will see the stellar criminal/civil court history of this fine, upstanding citizen. So this has happened to him TWICE!? I suspect he is calling the police HIMSELF trying to get into a tussle in order to try to sue the MAPD, or gain some sort of notoriety. If I were him, I would definitely avoid malls at Christmas time.

Posted by: Kevin Location: Madison on Dec 28, 2007 at 10:25 AM
With everything going on in the world I'm glad to see the Madison Police respond to this incident the way they did. Their #1 goal is the safety of everyone at the Mall. Now if the Police walked up and said "Yo Lemon" show us your hands and he pulled the gun out and began shooting then you would see the media all over the police for not being aggressive enough. The world of Law Enforcement is a dangerous one and these men & woman of that profession want to go home at the end of their shift to see their loved ones. The police acted in the proper manner and even displayed restraint. They could have had their guns out but they chose the safety of the people around them first. It's a job well done by the Madison Police.

Posted by: acme Location: Madison on Dec 28, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Kind of funny about a similar incident that happened in 1998. I was wondering if that perhaps that Major Lemons' cellphone could have been mistaken as a gun. Or perhaps he did have some sort of metal object that he passed to one of the relatives when he knew that he had drawn the attention to patron who then called the police. Either way I smell a rat. Thank you MPD. Oh and by the way I believe that Major Lemon didn't want to further inbarass himself by showing up for a interview because of his stellar reputation on being a productive citizen. He Wouldn't want to tarnish the rest of his family as well.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 28, 2007 at 09:59 AM
The only reason he is think of sueing the police is because he owes the irs some money. I do agree that this was set up by mr lemon. He had to find a way to get some money.

Posted by: resident on Dec 28, 2007 at 09:57 AM
Hey Hans: Most of the Madison Police, Sheriff's dept., State Patrol all have 4 year degrees or are working on them. Not to mention they have a lot more courage than you. You would have been hiding behind the officer or a potted plant if you were there. If they were properly funded, they would have just overwhelmed him with numbers and carried his sorry butt out. As it is, they use tasers. Boo Hoo for you! It sounds like you have applied and were not accepted!

Posted by: Hans Location: Madison on Dec 28, 2007 at 08:19 AM
Mayhem...I am sure you have statistics to back up your claims. Like I said, it takes 60 credits to be an officer. I am certainly willing to bet against the fact that officers, such as those that responded to this call, have a Masters or Law degree. I am sorry Mayhem, but with my degree I can do far better than an MPD officer...so is the case for most people with a degree. As for the point of my email, it is simply to state my opinion.

Posted by: M Location: Oregon on Dec 28, 2007 at 01:20 AM
What did I originally say? It's all about the money folks! Similar incident in 98...that's right, he knew what he was doing. For those who didnt think he should have been tased, what are your thoughts now? You think possibly thats what this guy was looking for? Oh, and as a soon to be law enforcement officer, if I'm responding to a man with a gun, I will treat that suspect as if he has a gun with whatever level of force is necessary until I know it is SAFE for myself, fellow officers, and others. I want myself and others to go home safely to our families! like I said, Job well done MPD!

Posted by: susan Location: Pardeeville on Dec 27, 2007 at 08:54 PM
To D & S, and Hans of Madison. If your spelling and grammar are any indication of your education, I would say you have no business criticizing a mall cop or the MPD. And as for Peacemom, has it occurred to you yet, now that Major has been exposed, that he might have had an accomplice call in the report of a gun? It would not surprise me if Major, himself, called in the report. My hat is off to the officers who responded to this call. I look up to those who have sworn to protect and serve and that is what these men did while they put their lives on the line not knowing what they were walking into. I doubt any of you liberals would be willing to do the same. It's easier to be a Monday morning quarterback.

Posted by: anonymous Location: stoughton on Dec 27, 2007 at 06:16 PM
Hmmm, happened in 1998 and again now-one wouldn't suppose that this gentleman called the police himself? We've all heard of people who set fires to see the fire department respond. Could he have been looking for notoriety? Money a motive? Will be interesting to see what pans out. Personally, had I been in the mall with a report of someone who may have been armed, I would definitely have wanted a proactive response (like the one here)vs a reactive response that was too little, too late.

Posted by: Mayhem Location: Madison on Dec 27, 2007 at 06:10 PM
Hey Hans. The 60 credit requirement is the bare-bones minimum for you to fill out an application, my ill-informed friend. The vast majority of MPD officers have 4-year degrees, and many have Masters and Law degrees. Many are also ex-teachers, social workers, lawyers, accountants, etc. Not your grandpa's Police Department, right? What's the point of your email? Go fill out an application and see if your sorry kiester gets far in the application process. Good luck with that. By the looks of your pathetic email, you'll need it.

Posted by: Private Lemon Location: Madison on Dec 27, 2007 at 06:09 PM
Police did exactly what they needed to do. If the Lemons file a suit, it would be nice if the city could file a counter suit for the costs incurred to deal with his rediculous behavior. After all it was him that costed taxpayer money. The taxpayers should be recouped for this. I hope I am on the jurry to throw out his silly lawsuit and slap him with the bill on top of it!

Posted by: Lori Edwards on Dec 27, 2007 at 04:25 PM
I don't care what his history is or was. I watched the WHOLE thing go down. He wasn't in the Middle of the food court; and the story about snow on their shoes..is interesting; no one else in the area seemed to be slipping...including myself. That man was on his cell phone and they walked up to him and began to frisk him with no warning. They were wrong; and no "coloring" of the story is going to change that their procedure for this particular incident was EXTREME and obviously not true. Whatever the history of this man is, I don't know; but I will say that he was on a cell phone and I could see his hands the entire time as I was only 8 to 10 feet away from him.

Posted by: Hans Location: Madison on Dec 27, 2007 at 04:17 PM
It amazes me so many of you are for the police. Police are no different than you nor I. It takes like 60 college credits and the police academy to become an officer. These officers OFTEN jump ahead of themselves and resort to their guns/tasors. Tasors have only given them a reason to resort to this reaction easier. So what if the guy has a disorderly conduct history...maybe it is the police that have done similar things in the past to him. The police do not have the right to resort to tasoring everytime they don't know how to handle a situation. Unfortunately, the police have much more political backing than you or I. Good luck Major.

Posted by: Trina Location: Madison on Dec 27, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Take a look at CCAP folks. This guy has a colorful history of disorderly conduct and generally not paying his bills. Go ahead, give him a ticket. It will sit there unpaid like the rest of his cases on CCAP. While I am generally against taser use, I do feel it is more important to secure the safety of the rest of the mall patrons and at least with tasers they don't have to risk shooting at an uncooperative, combative person in a crowded mall. The police did what they should have in my opinion. Maybe the fact that Major Lemon is the defendant in a lawsuit right now is part of his motive for suing the department.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: sauk county on Dec 27, 2007 at 09:43 AM
I agree that the MPD did what they felt they needed to do to get the situation under control. From the reports that I've heard, Mr. Lemon acted aggresively towards the responding officers, and I think it was his wife that said she was trying to hold him back so he didn't hit and officer. Sounds to me like he has anger management issues and the police did exactly what they are trained to do. Maybe she should have let him smack and officer and then he could have been arrested for that so they could have complained about that too! I also agree with what a lot have said that if something tragic would have happened they all would have complained that the MPD didn't act fast enough or done more to difuse the situation. Having members of law enforcement in my family, I pray every day that when they leave home they will all come home safely.

Posted by: resident on Dec 27, 2007 at 08:53 AM
I agree with M from Oregon! That guy should be locked up. "D" and "S" and "Peacemom" should turn yourselves and your children (who are not already in jail) in to the police and make Madison a better town. It looks like you are feeling sorry for yourself and that this story hits pretty close to home. I know a woman who lives near east town with her first husband. She let her kids sell drugs from her house, steal checkbooks from the neighbor's cars, and then complained when her gb boys were locked up. If she and her looser husband had been better parents, the city of Madison would be a better place!

Posted by: s Location: Madison on Dec 27, 2007 at 08:42 AM
We have rights in the country. Although 80% of Americans do not know what they are. This man has the right to question why he is being questioned by police. Just because a cop comes up to you and starts interogating you, it does not mean you have to be cooperative. In this mans eyes, there was not probable cause, no gun - no crime. Even if this guy told Police to "Get the F away from me" He has that right to do so. This is not cause to taser him. We do not live in a police state. They can not do whatever they feel like. And lets face it, they blamed the tasering on "SNOW". You are telling me that three plus MPD officers could not wrestle a non cooperative man to the ground in the snow? Give me a break. My 8 year old can get me to the ground in the snow, maybe not hold me there... but at least get me down. You people that think this is OK need to re evaluate the state of FREEDOM in AMERICA. It is people like you that will ruin this country for good. I like my rights as is.

Posted by: Mark Location: Sun Prairie on Dec 27, 2007 at 06:15 AM
M in Oregon could not be more correct!!! If the police don't respond with force when they get the call of a man with a gun, and this thug then resists, and does shoot up the place, then the police get blamed for not stopping it in time. But now people want to blame the police for stopping the threat in the most reasonable and quick manner possible. Imagine if your children were at the mall when this happened!!! Would you want the police to take their merry time in figuring out if this thug has a gun or not, or instead to gain control of the situation? I know several officers...try walking in their shoes up to that call. You people are ridiculous, and probably thugs too who never learned to respect authority.

Posted by: Susan Location: Beaver Dam on Dec 26, 2007 at 08:21 PM
My family and I were at the West Towne Food Court eating just a few yards away when the guy and woman came running through and they ran into a garbage can and made a lot of noise. (Hmmm, why would you be running away if you are innocent anyway?) My sons and I were scared because of the recent shooting incident in the NE mall. The security guard gave them plenty of warnings to settle down (which were ignored by the couple, they were yelling and the guy was pushing the security guard all around) before the taser was used. We were glad that they did taser him to get the situation under control as it was quite frightening to those of us eating at the Food Court. If they were innocent then they shouldn't have had to cause such a scene and resist the West Towne security guard. We also say good job to the MPD and the West Towne Security for keeping us safe! The couple has no right to sue, but they may be out for some easy money and maybe that was their motive for the entire incident?

Posted by: M Location: Oregon on Dec 26, 2007 at 05:44 PM
D in Madison, S in Madison, and PEACEMOM- What is your problem? If this guy WOULD have shot-up the mall, what would be your comments then? You think the police should be shot at before reacting to a subject? The police responded to a call for a man with a GUN-IN A MALL. They were doing there jobs when confronted the suspect matching the description. Where were his hands? How did he respond? why did he resist? Given his past CRIMINAL history, and the information we have, he absolutly should have been tased, possibly lucky he wasn't shot. Police are trained to use a taser when needed, great alternative to a higher level of force. They did not know what this guy had, and is actions presented a theat- to the police and anyone else in the mall. If you or one of your loved ones would have been harmed, you would complain because the police didn't react fast enough. If you still think he should sue, how about the 3 of you pay ALL the court costs, not waste our tax money. MPD JOB WELL DONE!!!

Posted by: Sara Location: Madison on Dec 26, 2007 at 04:49 PM
While I am against the use of tasers in general, I do think that Major Lemon also acted foolishly in that he didn't just do what the police asked him to do. Instead, he decided to be noncompliant and then the overzealous police decided to taser him. Neither party was correct in the handling of this situation; too often the police are quick to overreact, and this leads to things like this. I'm just thankful that no one was seriously hurt or injured in the mess.

Posted by: gimmiea break on Dec 26, 2007 at 01:54 PM
If all those sue happy people who left comments were in the shoes of those who have been someplace where their life may have been threatended they would think twice about their idiotic banterings... Police just don't barge in and start tasering or shooting anyone... The person is warned at least once and told if they don't comply that it will happen..... So, I feel no compassion to this guy... If he would have done as he was told this wouldn't have happened in the first place. It's been reported he has a record of disorderly conduct. When these policemen/women go into a place they are responding according to what they are dispatched to the scene for..... The police are not out to hurt you or i but are out to protect us.... Granted I am sure that there are some bad apples out there but there are also good ones. It's only the bad ones you ever hear anything on.

Posted by: wow Location: madison on Dec 26, 2007 at 11:46 AM
the news will be puting their own spin on this to make it sound like major was listening and responding to the officers. regaurdless if he was the correct person idenified or not. common sense has to prevail. im sure the police just dont run into the mall and start tasering people randomly without warning or reason. if that was myself in those shoes, i would have listened and responed to the police and after they figured out what was going on,they would have said sorry for the inconveince have a great holiday. and i would have walked away, no problems no headaches.if i were a beting person, ill bet some low life lawyer will take this matter and sue the police wasting tax payers money just looking for something for nothing. i just like to give the police a big thankyou for the thankless job they do.

Posted by: b Location: madison on Dec 26, 2007 at 11:16 AM
They are going to sue?? He shouldn't act like an idiot and he would not have been tased!!! I support the police and the use of tasers. They have a dangerous job and thinks makes it safer for everyone. The Arby's employee says there were a lot of kids around. That is why they used it to protect people. I have never been tased because I am not an idiot who does stupid stuff like this. Come on!!

Posted by: JJ Location: Black Earth on Dec 26, 2007 at 11:02 AM
If you do as your told, this wouldnt happen. 2 weeks ago was a mall shooting, and unless you live under a rock you know that. So when an officer approaches you to ask you questions, if you have nothing to hide answer them. If this guy started shooting up the Mall, the same people questioning them now, would question why they didnt talk to the guy when they had a chance. Correct NO gun was found, but until the human race perfects that X-Ray vision, contact has to be made.

Posted by: PEACEMOM on Dec 26, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Here we go again. Who reported seeing this man with a gun? That's intersting. However,no gun was found. Man tasered because he was resisting arrest. hmm. What about the wife. Did she resist too? I am outraged. What the heck is going on. I hope the police do get sued. I get so sick of people being tasered or shot because the police got a bogus phone tip.

Posted by: S Location: Madison on Dec 26, 2007 at 09:47 AM
I hope this guy sue's the living daylights out of the MPD and the West Towne Mall. This is a great example of how Police can not contain themselves. Come on, you had to use a taser on a UNARMED man, who was eating lunch - minding his own business... and your excuss to taser him is the "SNOW"?? Am I the only one who finds this absolutley rediculous? I would have "attempted" (key word) to punch police too if they accused me of having a gun when I did not. Good Morning America recently did a story on a similar situation and they embarresed the police department on national TV. I hope this case gets the same exposure. The police and their tasers are out of control. But hey... they can always blame the "SNOW"! Maybe they should have apologized and let the man finish eating his lunch. It would have saved the city a lawsuit. Oh, keep in mind that this reaprt or a gun came from a over zealous mall rat cop. I am not sure why MPD would believe a un educated security guard anyway.

Posted by: resident on Dec 26, 2007 at 09:02 AM
If a person does not go along with an officer when asked, it is appropriate that force is used. If we want to have proper police protection, people have to try to help them with information as much as possible. If this person was not guilty, they should have simply gone along. I am personally really sick of losers who think that their time is more valuable than tax dollars that we pay for police protection. There should also be mandatory jail time for people who don't comply with police requests. That would put a cramp in his shopping.

Posted by: D Location: Madison on Dec 25, 2007 at 06:43 PM
I think this guys has every right so sue MPD, Too many of the MPD are too GUNG HO to play with their tuys, Tazers are just another toy for them to play with at tax payers expense and lets face facts here when this guy was confronted by mpd there were probably at least 3 officers on hand to subdue this guy and NOT use their tazers, as far as i am concerned MPD is a big joke, they are as bad as the crooks

Posted by: Resident Location: Madison, WI on Dec 25, 2007 at 04:47 PM
This guy is just trying to steal money from the City of Madison.. The police were doing their jobs! The guy is lucky he did not end up in jail. Had he not acted like a fool and complied he would not have been hurt. Next time stay at home and shop online!

Posted by: Mike Location: Madison on Dec 25, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Cops don't use there taser unless they have to. Granted i wasn't there, but this person probally deserved what he got. He should be thankful this didn't happen 10 years ago before tasers were around.

Posted by: John Location: Hedrick on Dec 25, 2007 at 06:19 AM
The fact this guy is already claiming he is going to sue shows what kind of guy this is. Hell, it was probably a stunt for money. I find the story funny, his female companion said he was not a criminal. Looking at his history, I would argue that.

Posted by: Freddy Location: Schroeder on Dec 25, 2007 at 04:42 AM
This "innocent man" was charged with disorderly conduct in 03, 99, 98, 96, and in 91. He was also charged with battery twice in 1990. I would bet my paycheck he resisted the police. History does repeat itself. I hope he does sue the police, he will lose.

Posted by: Tim Location: Blaime on Dec 25, 2007 at 04:33 AM
Why do people always resist the police, and then feel unjust when forse is used against them? Please do not feel sorry for this guy! If he would of listened to commands, none of this happens. Respect authority....or things like this happen! He is a criminal..look at his history!

Posted by: M Location: Oregon on Dec 25, 2007 at 03:00 AM
The Police reacted appropriately! They responded to a call for a man with a gun....They took immediate control of the situation. This guy and his family are only out to try and get money now and are going to waste our tax dollars doing so.

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