Virginia Sheriff's Office Faces Lawsuit
The Sheriff’s Office in Madison County, VA faces a lawsuit after a former sheriff’s deputy used a Taser on a disabled individual. The lawsuit was filed alleges that Sgt. Scotty Anderson used excessive force against Sammy Harris, a resident of Richmond, VA. According to the report, Harris’ daughter called the sheriff’s office to report a theft. Anderson reportedly arrived at the home and Harris went on a motorized scooter to be with his daughter while she met with Anderson.
Anderson proceeded to place Harris’ daughter under arrest after she admitted she had been drinking. Anderson allegedly threw her to the ground and pushed on the scooter with his foot, knocking Harris over. Anderson tackled Harris to the ground causing an injury to his head. He then used the Taser on Harris even after Harris’ daughter warned Anderson that Harris had just undergone heart surgery. The report states that the suit claims other employees informed the sheriff’s department of Anderson’s uncontrollable bursts of anger and aggressive actions in the past.
This is the kind of incident that should never occur in any situation. The fact that Harris was disabled implies that he was not an immediate threat to Anderson, especially after Anderson tackled Harris to the ground. The report states that Harris was physically unable to walk and unable to push a wheelchair, which adds to the fact that he was not a direct threat to Anderson.
Improper use of Tasers is a serious issue of product liability. If a person is seriously injured or killed by a police officer improperly using a Taser, the officer, the police department, and the manufacturer may be liable. For more information on product liability issues, visit Solomon & Relihan.
