Curbing Gang Violence with a Stun Gun

A 35-year old man from Salinas, California found himself of interest to police after a routine traffic stop for a driving violation. Refusing to follow directions, the suspect exited his car against the officers’ orders, and eventually took off running.

Running eastward on Kings Street the suspect was cornered when he reached North Madiera Avenue, jumping several fences along the way. Despite repeated requests, the suspect kept his hands hidden in his pockets, refusing to comply with officers’ demands. The situation was finally brought under control when an officer managed to use a stun gun on the suspect.

A search of the suspect’s car resulted in finding a .40 caliber Glock handgun.

Booked at the Montgomery County Jail the suspect now faces charges of resisting arrest, gang enhancements and several gun charges as well.

A Traffic Stop that Could Have Turned Deadly
Every time an officer makes a traffic stop they are faced with the potential of never walking away. It is impossible to know just what the driver might have hidden inside the car. When a stopped driver exits their vehicle, officers are on high alert.

Clearly, this suspect was no stranger to hand guns, and while the weapon was left behind in the car, it could just have easily been taken along, tucked in a pocket. Officers acted promptly and effectively to subdue the suspect, utilizing a stun gun to quickly incapacitate their target.

Officers need the advantages that stun guns provide when dealing with the unknown. Rather than leave them only one option, that of lethal force, stun guns enable the police to control a situation with non-lethal, yet effective techniques.

Many police departments worldwide are initiating training programs for their officers in the use of stun guns, TASERs and other non-lethal weapons. With so much riding on their decisions, police officers need to have access to stun guns, not just firearms.