Death prompts ban on Taser use from cars

October 10, 2009
Miami Herald

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The Pensacola Police Department has banned the firing of Taser guns by officers from moving vehicles following the death of a 17-year-old.

The teenager died this month after a patrol officer fired the stun gun from his cruiser. The teen then fell from his bike and the officer hit him with his cruiser, according to witnesses. The officer had ordered Victor Steen to stop after spotting him at a vacant construction site early on the morning of Oct. 3.

The officer is on paid leave while authorities investigate. The death has prompted community protests and vigils.

On Friday, Assistant Pensacola Police Chief Chip Simmons said officers would no longer be allowed to fire Tasers from their cruisers.