Glendale police use Taser to subdue transient who resists arrest

Glendale police used a Taser gun to subdue a 35-year-old transient man Tuesday after four officers failed to take him down.

Mario Crane was taken into custody on suspicion of battery on a police officer and resisting arrest outside the Adult Recreation Center in the 200 block of East Colorado Street, according to Glendale police.

Officers on bicycle patrol arrived to the center about 9 p.m. after receiving complaints of possible drug activity in the area, Glendale police Sgt. Tom Lorenz said.

Residents, he said, have complained that transients have been loitering, drinking, using drugs and camping in the area.

After spotting Crane talk to a motorist, officers approached him and he became aggressive, according to police.

Crane allegedly advanced toward officers and slapped another officer’s hand twice.

Officers tried to handcuff Crane, but he resisted and urged them to shoot him, according to police.

Four officers tried to wrestle Crane to the ground, but were unable to and had to use a Taser gun to stun him for 15 seconds, police said.

Even then, Crane continued to resist until three officers were able to take him to the ground and handcuff him, police said.

Another man and woman, who were with Crane that night, were arrested for outstanding warrants, police said.

-- Veronica Rocha, Times Community News

Follow Veronica Rocha on Google+ and Twitter: @VeronicaRochaLA