2 Warren cops reinstated in death of teen hit by Taser

April 13, 2009
BY STEVE NEAVLING • DETROIT FREE PRESS

Two Warren Police officers were reinstated today following the death Friday of a teenager who was Tasered by officers.

Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said investigators determined the unnamed officers used appropriate force when one of them Tasered 15-year-old Robert Mitchell.

Dwyer said Mitchell endangered officers when he physically confronted them after fleeing during a traffic stop.

“When you are confronted with a situation of resisting arrest, the officers are trained in using the Taser,” Dwyer said. “The officers acted appropriately.

Dwyer added: “It’s an unfortunate incident.”

It’s still unclear why Mitchell fled police after they pulled over a car in which he was a passenger. He has no outstanding warrants, police said.

“There must have been a reason for him to run,” Dwyer said.

The Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Officials said Mitchell had asthma and was on prescription medicine.

Medical Examiner Daniel Spitz didn’t return a call for comment this afternoon.