Carolina Officers Use Taser On Pallbearer
By Wyatt Earp | November 20, 2008
Don't tase me, bro!
Damn, that must have been one Hell of a funeral!
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A North Carolina sheriff’s official has apologized for plunging a funeral into chaos when undercover agents tried to arrest the dead man’s son — and used a Taser on him in the process.
It happened as the coffin was being loaded into a hearse. The officers planned to quietly arrest pallbearer Gladwyn Taft Russ III, The Star-News of Wilmington reported Wednesday.
Relatives said two deputies dressed in coats and ties grabbed Russ and kneed him in his back before Tasering him. One deputy’s gun fell out of its holster.
Russ, 42, had failed to surrender after being charged with threatening his ex-wife who lives in another state, officials said. Following his father’s death Nov. 11, Russ agreed to surrender after the funeral.
When deputies approached Russ during the Saturday funeral, he “went wild” and spat on the officers, said New Hanover County sheriff’s chief deputy Ed McMahon. (H/T – Yahoo!)
Ed McMahon? Well, that explains why this entire fiasco resembled a Carnac skit. Personally, I think they could have waited until after the coffin was in the hearse, but what do I know?
Topics: The Job | 6 Comments »
November 20th, 2008 at 9:17 am
“Personally, I think they could have waited until after the coffin was in the hearse…”
Where’s the fun in that? I’ll bet you’re one of those namby pamby types who think the ATF should’ve waited for David Koresh to leave Rancho Apocalypse rather than storming a fortified compound filled with armed-to-the-teeth religious fanatics who were preparing for the end of the world. Sometimes you just have to throw caution, and common sense, to the wind.
November 20th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Reno has a new Sheriff.
November 20th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Do you remember a similar incident here about 10 or 12 years ago? 39th District officers arrested the groom at the church during his wedding? I was among the many who responded to the Assist calls, but was resumed before I could get there (thankfully). Wyatt, I believe you know the Sgt., now Lieutenant, who was directly involved.
November 20th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
John D – Yes, how silly of me. In Philly, we had a similar incident (that Wagonsux politely reminded me). Sometimes, common sense calls in sick.
Marvin – God, I love that show!
Wagonsux – Unfortunately, I do. I wonder where he’ll land when the 92nd disbands?
November 20th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Probably land in a Detective Division. Any openings at your place?
November 20th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Wagonsux – BITE YOUR TONGUE!