Good Lord. Woman Handing Out Samples at Va. Costco Shot Dead by Police After Acting Strangely

[Ready4Change]

44. Stun guns aren't perfect.

These aren't Star Trek phasers set on stun.

Lots of reasons stun guns won't work 100% of the time. Both electrodes need to reach flesh. Thick cloth, like a suit jacket, or leather, like a belt, can keep one electrode from completing the circuit. And that's assuming that in the moment you try to use it that you can get off a clear enough shot that both electrodes hit body mass. Statistically, people in stress situations miss very close range shots all the time, even cops. Plus, despite manufacturers sales pitches, the things can just plain malfunction.

Worse, the attempt to use the stun gun used up time. Stun guns have a relatively short range. The time it takes to shoot, then realize it hasn't worked can allow an assailant to close the gap. This is one of the arguments against their use. By trying to engage and stun, the cops put themselves at risk.

Admittedly I am assuming here that she was approaching the police, closing the gap, as the police are saying. Whether or not one should believe them is another discussion.