YouTube Taser Video - Motorist Speaks Out

A little less than a week ago, I posted an article about a motorist who was pulled over by a police officer. The motorist was later tasered by the officer for refusing to sign a traffic ticket. At least, that is the short version of the story. Read my article for more information. Tonight, Catherine sent me a link regarding what the motorist had to say about the situation.

“”I get out of the car thinking he’s going to actually let me see the signs. That was the impression I had,” Massey said. “I’m walking back pointing at those signs and out of the corner of my eye I see him pointing a gun at me.”

Gardner hadn’t pulled his gun, but had pulled his Taser, which he fired into Massey’s back after Massey failed to comply with three additional commands to “turn around.” On the video, Massey responds to the 50,000-volt shock by stiffening up and falling backward, cutting his head open on the highway.

“I’m laying on the ground thinking I’m dying,” Massey said. “I can’t put into words how horrifying that is.”

Gardner gave Massey a second shock with the Taser when he did not immediately turn onto his stomach. He also can be heard on an unedited version of the video, provided to the Vernal Express by Massey, making an apparent threat to use the weapon again after Massey makes repeated demands that Gardner read him is Miranda rights.

“Do you want another hit with this,” the trooper asks.

“No. I want you to read me my rights,” Massey replies.” (Link)

The motorist got out of his car thinking he would be doing one thing. Obviously the police officer had something else in mind. While it was not obvious that the motorist was trying to point to the traffic signs I still believe that the officer was in the wrong in using his taser. The motorist was not close enough to his car to pull a weapon out from under the seat. Nor did the officer issue a “stop or I will shoot” warning. The officer did tell the motorist to turn around and place his hands behind his back. However that is very different from “stop or I am going to shoot you”.

The officer did not properly handle the situation, especially when he gave the already subdued motorist another 50,000 volt shock for not instantly turning onto his stomach. I have never been shot with a taser however I think that it would stun you for a few seconds at the very least. I have been pepper sprayed in the past (long story), and even that gives quite a stun.

I believe that the internal affairs investigation will also find that the officer was in the wrong. Whether or not he will be subject to disciplinary action, I cannot say. We will have to wait and see what the result of the investigation is.

-Justin

I welcome your opinions on this, however please refrain from personally attacking me. Comments of such will be removed.