Taser Stun Gun Used on Feisty Senior Citizen

Elderly citizens can be surprisingly strong, especially when plagued with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or any of a number of disorienting mental conditions. With their ordinary internal controls missing, bizarre behaviors are not uncommon, making it a challenge for caregivers and law enforcement. On the one hand, no one wants to use excessive force on a senior citizen, while on the other hand, some force is necessary to control dangerous and socially unacceptable behaviors.

In February 2008, Sarasota, Florida law enforcement officers first used a gel form of pepper spray, then a stun gun to shock an elderly resident before they could bring him under control.

Residents spotted Duncan Kirk, age 65, strolling through their yards around 7:30 on a recent Saturday evening. Kirk was sitting inside the screened-in patio of a neighborhood residence when Manatee County Sheriff’s Officers arrived. He was stark naked.

St. Darin Bankert reported that Kirk tried to run, but deputies caught him before he could go very far. When officers tried to handcuff him, Kirk put up quite a fight – so much so that deputies used pepper spray on him. When that didn’t work, they used a stun gun. When that didn’t work, Kirk was stunned a second time, finally enabling officers to subdue him.

The Bradenton resident was charged with prowling and resisting arrest with violence and released the next day after posting $1,200 bail.