Teen graffiti artist dies after Tasering by Miami Beach cops

[0rganism]

79. he was an artist, although he was apparently also a vandal actively breaking the law

"Artist" and "vandal" are not mutually exclusive categories. If you read the article:
"He was a sculptor, painter, writer and photographer" -- at 17, he may have just been beginning the exploration of his artistic potential, but I see no reason to deny him the label. Especially when the article says this:
"a number of his pieces were exhibited at various galleries and museums in the area"

Whether the police responded appropriately is another question -- of course, all we have to go on is their account of how events transpired.

-- edit --
I was wrong about that last bit. Reading the linked article more closely, it's got eyewitness accounts that appear to be at odds with the officers' claims that Hernandez charged them.

"Félix Hernández said he saw about five police officers chasing Hernández and shoving him against a wall. Then he saw his friend on the ground, surrounded by police."

Doesn't read like he charged them at all, and frankly I don't see why he would -- any vandal with living brain cells would be more interested in escape than confrontation, and surrender over attack.