Use of Taser on teen under review

An incident Monday night in which a Sarpy County sheriff's deputy used a Taser on a 16-year-old boy will be reviewed, authorities said this morning.

“It will be reviewed and taken care of,” said Lt. Russ Zeeb. “It's premature for me to make any judgment at this time.”

Such a review is standard practice, Zeeb said.

Zeeb said deputies got a call about 7 p.m. Monday that a runaway from Papillion was hanging out at a home near 149th and Olive Streets.

When officers arrived, the 16-year-old boy was hiding in the garage. The boy resisted arrest and fled from the lower level of the house. Zeeb said a deputy tried to use the Taser on the teen then. Once deputies caught up with the boy, an altercation occurred in the street and the boy was stunned with the Taser.

Zeeb said the boy calmed down and was checked out by medical personnel. He then was booked into the Sarpy County Juvenile Justice Center.

The boy had a warrant for his arrest and also was taken into custody for resisting arrest.

“All of our officers are trained on use of force and the different levels of use of force,” Zeeb said. “An officer has to make a decision on what level of force to use in a split second. There's nothing that says if this happens, do this. It all depends on the situation.”

Zeeb said the 16-year-old boy was a “pretty good-sized individual.” He said it's important for deputies to consider their safety even when dealing with juveniles.

He said any time there's a use of force, such as a pressure point, a nightstick, a Taser or a gun, the officer must complete a report for review.

Tasers also have a video showing deployment, so that will be checked, Zeeb said.

Contact the writer:

444-1336, leia.mendoza@owh.com

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