Blend Taser files of the week, including road rage Taser attack by driver

I haven't done a Taser post in a while, and it looks like the inappropriate use of the so-called non-lethal take-down tools of law enforcement, referred to as an "electronic control device" by its manufacturer Taser International, continues unabated.

NY: City, Cops Sued for 81st Precinct Taser Incident. How about getting zapped (and Maced) for objecting to being cited for double parking?

26-year-old Jonathan Zimmerman is suing the city and two cops who he says used a Taser on him for double parking outside of a friend's Brooklyn home. Zimmerman was issued a summons and told to move his car, but when he began to argue, while still in his seat belt, the cops pulled the keys from the ignition and Maced him. Zimmerman was Tasered while inside the car, pulled out and Tasered twice more.

PA: Federal lawsuit filed against state police over Taser incident . A man died when the Pennsylvania State Police, alleged investigating a domestic abuse call, asked 24-year-old Levi Mohney to exit his mobile home. When he didn't respond, they broke in and unleashed the shock device on Mohney, who was soaked in gasoline and went ablaze, suffering burnes over 98% of his body.

His father, Shawn Mohney, of New Bethlehem, is suing for violations of civil rights, wrongful death, and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mr. Geckle said Mr. Mohney was suffering from a mental disability. "In my humble opinion, there was no need to Taser the man," said Mr. Geckle. "He wasn't armed. He wasn't posing a direct threat to the officers."

NH: Stun Gun Used In Road-Rage Incident. And no, this isn't about cops doing the deed. It's a driver-on-driver event where one woman assaulted another woman (who was pregnant). Why? Because the pregnant woman was traveling 35 mph in a 35 mph zone.

Police said that once the cars stopped at a red light, [Carissa] Williams threw cans and bottles at the other car and screamed at the driver. When Williams drove off, the other driver called 911.

The two vehicles were then on the Interstate 93 exit 14 ramps, and while they were stopped there, the other driver was able to give the license plate number to the 911 dispatcher. But Williams then got out of her car, leaving her 6-month-old in the vehicle, police said.

She then got into the back seat of the other woman's car, pulled out a stun gun and used it on the woman, police said.

The victim was 10 weeks pregnant and is fortunately ok. Williams is being held on $100K cash bail.

More below the fold.
NM: Police identify man in Monday's fatal Tasing. Jerry Perea was in Albuquerque police custody after an incident with the police (they said he attacked them with a crucifix, and they Tased him). And then...

Police say Perea appeared to be OK immediately after he was Tased but as paramedics were tending to one of the injured officers, Perea entered cardiac arrest and stopped breathing. He was pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital.

NC: Fayetteville man dies after he's Tasered in jail . Law enforcement in NC have turned up multiple times in the Taser files for quick-drawing and asking questions later. In this case, it's not a given that the device was used inappropriately, but the fact that fatalities using this "non-lethal" devices continue to occur in incidents where law enforcement could have subdued someone without introducing the Taser into the encounter..

Harnett County Sheriff Larry Rollins confirmed to ABC11 Wednesday that a man is dead following an incident with a Taser at the Harnett County Detention Center in Lillington Tuesday.

Rollins said 24-year-old Brandon Jolvon Bethea of Fayetteville had been in court Tuesday and got into an altercation with detention officers when he was returned to jail. Officers used a Taser - which emits a powerful electric charge - to control Bethea. They said immediately afterwards they noticed he was non-responsive and they began CPR until EMS paramedics arrived. Bethea was taken to Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn where he was pronounced dead at 2:14 p.m.

Related:

* The Blend Taser files

* Taser International to police: don't fire at suspect's chest, may cause 'adverse cardiac event'

* 10-year-old girl tased by Arkansas cop - and mother gave the OK

* School guards to be armed with 50K-volt Tasers for the tots

* AL: cops Tase and pepper spray deaf and mentally disabled man who was in bathroom too long