tasers: because we all know what a threat a 75 y.o., 152 lbs man can be

[KG]

to a dozen well-armed deputies.

Stories differ on Taser use on 75-year-old
Deputies went to his home after a friend concerned about suicide called 911. The stories then diverge.
By CHRIS TISCH, Times Staff Writer
Published February 3, 2006

MADEIRA BEACH - Charles Faybik, a 75-year-old who is blind in one eye, says Pinellas deputies barged into his home and Tasered him three times without reason, hitting him with six electrified prongs.

Faybik, who was unarmed, said he felt each prong hit his chest and belly.

"I wondered when they were going to stop," he said. "I thought I was being shot by bullets."

Pinellas sheriff's officials say deputies believed there was reason to Taser Faybik, despite his age. Deputies came to his home Dec. 28 after a friend called 911 to say Faybik was threatening to shoot himself.

When deputies arrived, Faybik first wouldn't show his hands, then flailed his arms and refused deputies' commands to calm down.

Now, Faybik and his attorney, John Trevena of Largo, are asking the Sheriff's Office to ban the use of Tasers on senior citizens. They also want an internal investigation into the deputies' actions and are considering a lawsuit

MORE>>> http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/03/Southpinellas/Stories_differ_on_Tas.shtml

i quiver in anticipation. :eyes: