Local News in Brief : Target of Stun Gun Restrained, Dies
A man died Wednesday after an officer shot him with a Taser stun gun in Los Angeles’ Westlake area apartment, police said.
Jose Torres, 31, was visiting his sister in the 1000 block of S. Westlake Avenue when he began to act irrationally, damaging belongings and threatening family members, said Lt. William Hall.
Fearing that a 15-month-old child would be injured, Hall said, the family called police. When the officers arrived, Hall said, Torres “suddenly became combative” and attempted to kick them.
Officer Thomas Walker used the Taser gun to immobilize the man so he could be handcuffed and leg restraints could be applied. When paramedics were putting him into the ambulance, Hall said, Walker broke the leg restraints, forcing the officers to put on a second set.
A short time later, Hall added, Torres stopped breathing. He was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital. An autopsy is scheduled.
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