As Death Toll Rises, U.S. Communities Reevaluate Taser Use

By Tim Reid, Peter Eisler, and Grant Smith

Warren Ragudo and Ramzi Saad died following Taser deployments by police during family disputes, while Chinedu Okobi lost his life after police used a Taser to subdue him for allegedly walking in traffic. All three individuals were unarmed and had histories of mental illness, and all succumbed to these incidents in San Mateo County, California, last year.

These cases are part of a larger trend, with at least 49 individuals reportedly dying after being shocked by police Tasers in 2018, a figure consistent with the previous two years, according to a review of police records and news sources.

Despite the severity of these incidents, they often receive minimal public attention; currently, no official organization tracks Taser usage or the fatalities associated with it. Different standards employed by coroners and medical examiners further complicate how a Taser’s contribution to a death is assessed. In light of recent deaths and allegations of excessive Taser use, some localities are reevaluating their Taser policies, particularly concerning individuals with mental or physical health conditions that may heighten the risk of injury or death.

Contacted police departments and municipalities that experienced Taser-related fatalities or serious incidents in 2018 revealed mixed responses: five are reviewing their Taser policies, three have conducted reviews with no changes, and five declined to comment due to ongoing investigations.

To date, at least 1,081 deaths in the U.S. have been linked to Taser use, primarily since the device became widely adopted in the early 2000s. In many instances, the use of a Taser was coupled with other forms of force, including physical strikes or restraint.

Following the three deaths in San Mateo within a short period, the county’s board of supervisors and district attorney initiated reviews concerning Taser use and safety. Dave Pine, a county supervisor, emphasized the need to reassess the proper application of Tasers, stating that a temporary halt on their use might be appropriate until further analysis is conducted.

Although most experts assert that deaths following Taser use are infrequent when employed correctly, prior reports indicated that inadequate officer training on the potential risks and proper use of Tasers is common.

From the data reviewed, the Taser was deemed a contributing factor in 21% of the fatalities analyzed. The manufacturer of the Taser contends that many deaths associated with the device stem from other factors, including drug use, preexisting health conditions, or additional force used alongside the Taser.

The data indicates that many of those who died following a Taser shock in 2018 were vulnerable individuals, such as those affected by drugs, mental health issues, or those who were older or frail. About half of the victims fell into these categories, with a substantial percentage being unarmed and many having prior mental health conditions.

As awareness of the risks associated with Tasers grows, some police departments are implementing more stringent regulations. For instance, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is drafting a new Taser policy that aims to impose additional restrictions on usage.

In Ohio, the police department is reassessing its Taser policies after a controversial incident involving an 11-year-old girl who was shocked. Other jurisdictions, like Chula Vista, California, are also actively reviewing their policies following Taser-related fatalities.

Concerns about Taser safety have led to heated discussions in various cities, including San Francisco, where elected officials have blocked funding for the acquisition of Tasers by the police department.

Despite the absence of standardized national policies governing Taser usage, some influential organizations provide guidelines warning against Taser deployment on vulnerable groups.

In San Mateo County, the coroner ruled Ramzi Saad’s death due to “cardiac arrest occurring during physical exertion, physical restraint, and tasering” after police responded to a report of an altercation at his home. Saad, who had a history of mental health issues and other medical conditions, was Tasered multiple times by police and subsequently lost consciousness.

The district attorney confirmed that the police response was justified; however, the death of Chinedu Okobi shortly after raised additional concerns. This incident propelled investigations into Taser use within the county, with the district attorney directing efforts to gather comprehensive information on such deaths.

While some officials are in favor of suspending Taser use pending reviews, others, including law enforcement leaders, are waiting for the completion of the formal investigation into Okobi’s death before making any policy changes. Public discussions on Taser use continue, with a meeting planned where community members and experts will discuss the implications of Taser deployments in law enforcement.