By George Mattar and Jo Ciavaglia Staff writers What started out as a routine arrest for retail theft ended in a handcuffed 14-year-old boy escaping from a police car and getting shocked by a Taser gun. A friend of the boys family made a Facebook post about the incident, the facts of which are unclear, even as to what day it occurred at the Tullytown Wal-Mart. It reportedly occurred either Wednesday or Thursday. Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler said Saturday his office is not investigating the claims, but said if the boys mother comes forward and complains, he would look into it. As of Saturday, his office had not heard from the boys mother. At issue is whether police should have used a Taser to subdue a 14-year-old. Heckler gave this account of what happened. Tullytown police were called to Wal-Mart for a shoplifting incident. Police took three males into custody. While in the back of a patrol car in handcuffs, one of them got away and started running toward Route 13. Police gave chase, repeatedly warning the youth to stop. Seeing the teen running toward Route 13 with his handcuffed hands behind his back, police feared for his safety. They warned him he would be hit with a Taser. Heckler said he was told the police officer gave a warning to stop or he would use his Taser gun. Eyewitnesses confirmed that police did warn the youth several times, Heckler said. Not seeing him stop, police fired a Taser barb, hitting the boy in the shoulder and cheek. The boy fell down. He was taken to a hospital and treated. He was then taken to the county juvenile detention center in Doylestown Township as he was under a juvenile probation violation, Heckler said. Hecklers office was made aware of the incident when Assistant District Attorney Michelle Walsh, who handles juvenile cases, was made aware of it. Heckler said there is no indication anyone used force on the boy. Heckler added he has not yet spoken to the boy, his mother or witnesses. However, Heckler said juvenile probation spoke to the boy. Heckler also said the boy told his probation officer that no one ever touched him. If the mother has accusations to make, she can make them. I dont believe her son would corroborate, Heckler said. Were satisfied. There is no reason to believe Tullytown police misconducted themselves. Tullytown Police Chief Dan Doyle said, The police department is aware of the misinformation that has been circulating on social media regarding an arrest made by Tullytown officers. A thorough review of the incident is underway. The newspaper reached out to the mother on Facebook, but was unsuccessful in contacting her. buckscountycouriertimes/news/communities/bristol/family-says-tullytown-cops-used-taser-on--year-old/article_be61752e-de5a-5771-94ce-f156021b0d36.html
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 05:32:34 +0000
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