OZARK, Ark.—
An Ozark police officer has been suspended with pay after using a Taser on an unruly ten-year-old girl one week ago, and could face criminal charges.According to a police report, Officer Dustin Bradshaw was called to the girl's home on November 11 for a domestic disturbance. He reported the girl was acting very violently, even hitting and kicking officers when they tried to move her.
Bradshaw stated in the report that he "decided there was not going to be a peaceful resolution to the issue," and told the girl she was under arrest. After her mother gave officers permission to use their Taser, and the girl continued to resist the officers, Bradshaw gave the girl a light shock to her back. She immediately stopped fighting, and had to be carried out to the officer's patrol car.
On Wednesday, the police department announced Bradshaw would be suspended one week with pay. But Ozark's mayor is still calling for an independent investigation of the matter.
"Apparently the proper policy was followed, but at the same time you still hate to see a ten-year-old Tasered," said Vernon McDaniel. "That's why we must, if at all possible, try to get an outside agency to investigate, to be fair to all parties involved."
McDaniel has asked the FBI or Arkansas State Police to handle the investigation, but a State Police spokesperson said their agency does not handle administrative reviews for other agencies. The FBI also reportedly declined to investigate.
Meanwhile, McDaniel has been talking with the local prosecuting attorney about the situation, and said a criminal complaint may have to be filed before an outside investigation can be held.
"We haven't yet decided whether we want to do that, but we will decide no later than Thursday," he said.
According to Taser's website the devices, which administer a paralyzing shock through two metal pins that pierce the skin, have an increased risk of death or injury when used on a small children. The manufacturer recommends against using the device on children and other at-risk groups of people "unless the situation justifies possible higher risk of death or serious injury."
The young girl was reportedly not injured, and was taken to the Cecil Youth Shelter after she was subdued.
