A man from Nashville, TN was tasered at least twice by police in Fort Pierce, Florida because of his combativeness and erratic behavior.. and the man has now died as a result of the tasers.
The man, Douglas John Ilten, was tasered by police after a witness flagged them down at a gas station. Ilten was throwing musical instruments out of a truck.
Sean Baldwin, Police Chief, said Ilten was combative with the police by refusing to let them search him and they were unable to restrain his legs, at which time an officer shocked Ilten with his stun gun at least two times.
The officers noticed that Ilten was not breathing almost immediately after he was stunned. By the time the paramedics arrived it was too late, and Ilten was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The officers involved in this have been placed on administrative leave (with pay). A review of the situation is currently underway.
Ilten's wife said he was going to Fort Lauderdale in order to deliver band equipment to a cruise ship-- it is not known what caused him to throw the instruments out of his truck.
Sad event. this story is just bad for all involved, with a man dying and others in danger of losing their livelihood (and living with what happened), The blame really depends on how quickly the 2nd attack came..if it was too soon, it was definitely mishandled by the police.
