This happened back in May. The excessive force cop resigned, probably to avoid being fired.
Published on May 23, 2015
A police officer in Fredericksburg, Virginia, used a Taser and pepper spray May 4 on a man believed to have earlier suffered a stroke.
A Hyundai drove over a median, hit a sign, then hit a Jeep that day, police there told WTVR. The Hyundai was followed by the Jeep to an intersection where police showed up, authorities said.
Three separate videos have been released, showing body camera footage from Cpl. Matt Deschenes, Sgt. Crystal Hill, and Officer Shaun Jurgens in the incident involving Hyundai driver David Washington.
Jurgens resigned from his post May 14, according to reports.
Capt. Rick Pennock said in a statement 'The use of force demonstrated in the incident involving Mr. Washington was not in compliance with department policy or training.
'We take matters such as these very seriously and require that officers at all times exercise appropriate restraint and good judgment in their dealings with citizens.'
The footage shows Hill and Deschenes are the first to arrive.
They point their guns at Washington and yell at him to get out of the car. Washington fails to do so.
Video shows Jurgens arrives with his gun out and aimed at Washington. He later takes out his Taser, and uses it on Washington.
An officer is heard saying he doesn't believe the Taser made the connection with the driver. Jurgens then pepper sprays Washington in the face.
Washington is dragged out of the car, and officers soon handcuff him.
'I can't breathe,' Washington says in the footage.
Washington tells officers 'I've been sick for a week' but he 'doesn't know' what it is.
Jurgens says 'Alright man, I got you. Just relax,' and has Washington lean against him while Washington sits on the ground.
Washington says he hasn't been drinking when he is questioned by police over beer they find in the Hyundai.
Washington suffered a massive stroke, sources told the Fredericksburg Freelance-Star.
According to WTVR, police cannot under department policy Taser those 'who are passively resisting' nor those who'are in physical control of a vehicle in motion.'
In a statement issued to the Fredericksburg Freelance-Star, Jurgens said 'I believed that immediate action needed to be taken due to several factors in the current circumstances.'
Jurgens said Deschenes had no cover and that Washington moved around in the Hyundai, leading him to think there could be a weapon.
Jurgens said he was afraid because the incident took place on a road with rush hour traffic, and because the incident took place in an elementary school zone.
Jurgens stated he 'believed that the suspect was under the influence of mind-altering substances and was thus more prone to irrational behavior.'
Washington, according to WTOP, is recovering and now out of the hospital.
According to reports, Washington is facing property damage, hit-and-run, driving on a revoked or suspended license, and reckless driving charges.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/artic...
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