April 29, 2010.  A federal lawsuit has been filed challenging the Cincinnati policy of using the Taser to stop nonviolent persons who are running.  Plaintiff Keith Cockrell was suspected of jay walking when he was Tased in the back by Defendant police officer David Hall.  Mr. Cockrell was not suspected of any violence and at no time was Defendant Hall in any fear for his safety.

Mr. Cockrell was running when shot and immediately collapsed onto the pavement without breaking his fall in any manner.  He suffered severe lacerations and abrasions to his face and across the front of his body.  Well before the Taser deployment in this case, Taser International had issued a product warning indicating that the device can cause “serious injury or death… especially at risk are persons…who are running.”  Police agencies and other organizations who have studied Tasers have recommended that the device not be used against nonviolent persons suspected of minor crimes who are running.  Cincinnati is not following that trend.  The lawsuit seeks damages and reform.  The case is pending in federal court in Cincinnati.