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Another CED death in Maryland -The Taser Model X26 used in the arrest.

By Steve Lombardi

IB Member Scott Kappes from Reich and Binstock, report on the wrongful death suit filed in Fredrick County, Maryland for the death of a 20 year old male who was shot with a Taser. A grand jury found the Officer justified in his actions. The medical examiner is reported to have found the cause of death to be a combination of the method of restraint, (the Taser), alcohol intoxication and a unique anatomical makeup. The arrestee didn't die until two hours after being shocked with the Taser. The Taser was a Model X26 is shown below from the police section on Taser International's web site.

Taser's website opens with the home page mantra "Taser Protect Life". Previously I posted on the Taser as being reported by the Canadian.

A Taser is a conducted energy device. The Police Executive Research Forum is an interesting depository of information. There you can find the CED Glossary of Terms, The PERF CED Guidelines from October 2005 and the Conducted Energy Devices: Development of Standards for Consistency and Guidance. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports on the Arrest-Related Deaths in the United States, 2003 - 2005.

"Presents the first findings from the law enforcement collection of the Deaths in Custody Reporting Program (DCRP), which is the largest resource of information ever collected on arrest-related deaths. The report provides counts of all arrest-related deaths reported by State authorities in over 40 States, over a three-year period (2003-2005), by cause of death and characteristics of the deceased. It also includes all manners of death during an arrest, including homicides (both those by officers and other persons), suicides, alcohol or drug intoxication deaths, accidental injuries, and fatal medical problems. The report presents counts of deaths by cause for each State."

Statistics show during this three-year period 2,002 arrest-related deaths in 47 States and the District of Columbia. It's reported of the 17 cases where States reported a CED as the weapon causing the death, 5 were accidents, 4 were intoxications, 2 were homicides by law enforcement, 1 was a suicide and 5 were "other unknown." See page 22 of the report.

There is a section for Taser consumer models. One model comes in a nice leopard skin case. While not confirmed the TI web site indicates you can purchase the Taser C2 at Academy Sports + Outdoors, Cabela's, Ganger Mtn. and the Sports Authority. TI sells several models online. There is the Taser C2, the Taser X26C and two sections just for law enforcement. Okay, I'm more than a bit curious as to what I can buy online. The Taser C2 Black Pearl w/Laser ships within 3 business days for $349.99.

The laser model comes fully equipped. Here are the package contents. The C2 TASER® series offers the highest take-down power available. *** Must be 18 years or older to purchase***.

Package Contents:

1 TASER® C2 w/intergrated laser sight

Model# 31010
1 15' Air Cartridges
1 User Manual
1 Training DVD
1 Lithium Power Magazine
1 Registration Card
Activation/Registration required for
unit to operate. Age and background
check will be performed at activation.
$9.95 fee at time of activation.

TASER® energy weapon's are not considered firearms - they're legal to carry in most states without permits (including California). Restricted from citizen use in MA, RI, NY, NJ, WI, MI, HI, IL and certain cities and counties.

Being from Iowa it appears there are no limitations on my owning one. I'll check with local law enforcement and post on this later.

The Taser C2 Black Pearl without Laser is a little bit less expensive at $299.99. You can get a Desert Camo model, a Forest Camo model, one in Fashion Pink, Leopard, Red Hot, Electric Blue, Metallic Pink, Titanium along with holsters and packed cartridges. If you want a C2 Lithium Power Magazine be willing to spend another $29.99. Should you be worried about being sued if by chance you have to use it? Well, probably. But Taser has that covered. For a mere $499.95 you can purchase the X26 Taser Cam Audio/Video Recording for Enhanced Accountability (United States). Worried about your aim? Don't be. For a mere $6.95 you can buy a Practice Target Single Target / Training Use. There are caps and t-shirts showing your loyalty to Taser International and having the dual purpose of warning would-be attackers. For you guys who might be tempted to use it in the office, you should buy the Taser Classic Polo, black short sleeve, to warn off anyone getting close at the bubbler. What about the tennis players out there wanting to teach their opponent who always has a better back hand a lesson or two about good sportsmanship? Not a problem. You too can buy the Taser Logo Fleece for just $74.95. I have to tell you I'm tempted. The TI accessories section is the absolute bomb!

I've already got my Christmas list made up. For Shannon there will be the Fashion Pink. Katrina gets the C2 Leopard. For Barbara I'm going to see about having one made in emerald Irish green. And Nick will get the Black Pearl. And when we next meet don't even consider surprising me or spoofing me or punking me.©

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on June 17, 2008 (boomark / email).