Video Captures Police Tasering Suspected Shoplifter Near Lakeside Wal-Mart
LAKESIDE, Colo. (CBS4) - A video that shows police tasering a suspected shoplifter has prompted complaints that officers used too much force in subduing an older man.
The incident began on Friday afternoon when security guards at the Wal-Mart in Lakeside pursued a man they thought stole from the store. Lakeside police chased the suspect across the street into Wheat Ridge to a dumpster where he was hiding.
A bystander videotaped the suspect emerging from behind the dumpster when police attempted to force his arms behind his back.
"I just pulled out my phone and started recording," Pete Ortega said. His video was posted to Facebook, where some commenters said it was clear the police should have used more discretion.
"You probably have over 700, 800 pounds of police force there, and there's a 60-year-old man there that probably weighs a buck-fifty, and you've got to pull the taser out to take him down? I just don't think it was right," Ortega said.
The video shows two officers take the man down on the ground as he struggles to keep them from pulling his arms behind his back. A third officer pulls up in a patrol car, steps in and uses the taser to further subdue the suspect, who can be heard screaming in the video.
The department released a statement that read in part: "He refused to comply with officers' request to get down, pulled him arms under him, and a struggle ensued…. He was tased and eventually complied (and) was placed into custody."
Ortega said he sees it differently.
"It's clear to see that there was a different way for that to be handled," he said.
Lakeside police say they are often called to this Wal-Mart for problems, sometimes several times a day.
The police report detailing the incident is expected to be released Wednesday.
