RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) - An investigation has cleared five Richland police officers in a confrontation in which a Texas man died after a Taser was used on him.
The Tri-City Herald reports 48-year-old Jose “Joey” Mercado died after being shocked Jan. 20 on a city street.
Police were called after a report that Mercado attacked a family member and was throwing beer bottles and had a knife, according to Richland police reports.
A witness told police she saw Mercado arguing with a relative when an officer arrived, and when Mercado approached aggressively, an officer tried to shock him.
Police say Mercado removed the probes and remained uncooperative. A witness said he was shocked again and collapsed.
Benton County Coroner Bill Leach said Mercado died from methamphetamine and an existing heart condition.
The officers involved were Allen Jenkins, Todd Gilbert, Brandon Koe, Ron Schneider and Jason Lawrence.
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Information from: Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com
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