Bicyclist tased when he runs for minor infraction

[Koke]

HAMILTON CITY -- A man riding a bicycle with improper lighting equipment was shot with a Taser stun gun Wednesday night as he ran from a deputy who tried to stop him for the infraction.
After repeated attempts, Glenn County sheriff's deputy Cale Smith said he finally got the attention of the rider on Sierra Street, who jumped from the bike and began running.

After a half-block chase and several warnings from Smith that he would use the Taser, he did.

Sgt. Scott James said only one probe struck the man, identified as Omar Herrada Rivera, 39, and he received no shock.

Smith caught up with him near the garage of a home, and took him into custody after a brief struggle.

James said Smith was fully justified in firing his Taser, because Rivera was running toward a home, and could have endangered people inside.

"We consider the Taser as being at the same level of force as other weapons, including pepper spray and batons," James said.

He added that deputies don't deploy Tasers against subjects who are driving or riding a bike because of the risk factor.

Rivera was transported to Glenn Medical Center, where he was cleared for booking into the Glenn County Jail on suspicion of resisting arrest, riding a bicycle without proper lighting, riding under the influence of alcohol and use of false citizenship/government documents.
Story Link

[mottmcfly]

I wonder if he yelled "Don't taze me Bro"!!!

[stinkyrider]

Originally Posted by mottmcfly

I wonder if he yelled "Don't taze me Bro"!!!

Hahaha. you beat me to it.

[FPMXer]

Just from what I read he deserved it. He's lucky he didn't get both probes. 50,000 volts and .034 amps. I know when I'm foot pursuing someone I'm yelling at them that I'm gonna kick thier a$$ when and if I catch them. They usually run faster.

[grandpa]

Thats not any worse than riding with the guys from Adrenaline. They will taze you just for the hell of it

[Shu]

Unfortunately and sad is he'll probably sue for having his civil rights violated and get legal citizenship and a $1million

Originally Posted by mottmcfly

I wonder if he yelled "Don't taze me Bro"!!!

or it was "No el taze yo hermano".....

[Singletrack Angel]

I don't think it's a minor infraction when you run from the cops after numerous warnings. He got less than he deserved.

[Shu]

Originally Posted by Singletrack Angel

I don't think it's a minor infraction when you run from the cops after numerous warnings. He got less than he deserved.

They were stopping him for a minor infraction(improper lighting)....him running (b/c he knew he was illegal) made it deserving of being tazed

[mottmcfly]

Originally Posted by Shu

They were stopping him for a minor infraction(improper lighting)....him running (b/c he knew he was illegal) made it deserving of being tazed

While I don't contest the probable cause here, has anyone here ever been pulled over on a bicycle before? I had the Glendale police yell at me over the PA that I need to pay attention to stop signs but thats about it.

[Shu]

Actually in Newport a few times...they pull you over for little bullshit reasons(like that) to see if you are riding under the influence(each time I was sober or sober enough) but I didn't run b/c well I'm legal and I don't have warrants...

[dweinberg01]

I have been tazed during training excersizes. Usually guys on bikes are stopped to check for duece (DUI) or if they are in violation of a vehicle code. Reference the tazing for running, i'm not sure I could justify that with my department, because he hasn't shown any real threat to me or anyone else. To me, "he was running toward a house" is kind of a weak excuse. Of course prior contacts with the deputy could definitley play into the situation.

[GP_pilot]

Originally Posted by mottmcfly

has anyone here ever been pulled over on a bicycle before?

Seen it a few times on Military bases, which are notorious for being anal to the point you'll be walking home if you don't have lighting.

[tkblazer]

i wonder if it was Woobie?

a video from the infamous Woobie Bday Ride....

[Rob]

You've heard of Suicide by cop right? I just really needed my tazer fix.