Maryland Man Dies Following Shock by Taser Stun Gun

In November of 2007, sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of a fight in progress shortly before 5:00 a.m. They found four people involved in the fracas. In an attempt to defuse the situation, one deputy used a Taser stun gun on one of the men combatants. The man immediately fell to the ground, unconscious.

According to Cpl. Jennifer Bailey, the man was taken to Frederick Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Frederick, Maryland authorities did not release his identity immediately, pending notification of his family. The deputy has been placed on administrative leave with pay and will last through the completion of an inquiry into the case.

In response queries regarding the Maryland death, Taser International makes the point, “Historically, medical science and forensic analysis has shown that these deaths are attributable to other factors and not the low-energy electrical discharge of the Taser.” The company spokesman also stated that the case “appears to follow the pattern of many in-custody deaths or deaths following a confrontation with police.”

Nevertheless, Tasers and other non-lethal stun guns are being used by ever-increasing numbers of law enforcement agencies worldwide. Consequently, the number of lethal confrontations has diminished.