Group protests use of tasers following death

September 2, 2008

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― Upset over the death of a Swissvale man whom police used a taser on, one community group is taking its complaints to the streets today. The group "Black & White Reunion" is angry about the death of Andre Thomas.

Thomas, 37, died at UPMC Braddock Hospital last month -- not long after a Swissvale policeman used a taser gun on him, because he was allegedly acting erratically and screaming.

The community group plans to hold a news conference and march outside the Allegheny County Courthouse at noon today. Black & White Reunion officials are calling for further investigation into the physical effects of tasers and better training for police officers.