Man Goes Into Cardiac Arrest After Police Use Taser

November 19, 2009
ThePittsburghChannel.com

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- A man is in the hospital after a confrontation with Washington police, who said he had a seizure and became combative, forcing them to use a Taser on him.

Washington city police said 49-year-old Ronald Petruney was walking in the 1000 block of Jefferson Avenue when he had a seizure. A police officer noticed the seizure and stopped and came over to Petruney.

According to police, the officer tried to help Petruney and keep him from moving into the middle of the street. That's when, police say, the man became violent.

"Mr. Petruney actually charged the officer, swinging at him. And at that point the struggle ensued between the officer and Mr. Petruney," said Lt. Dan Stanek of the Washington Police Department. "The officer had requested additional officers and medics to arrive. As they were arriving, the officer was still involved in the struggle on the ground. Mr. Petruney was biting the officer several times. The officer sustained at least three, possibly four bite marks that he received medical attention for. As Mr. Petruney was being subdued, trying to get him under control, the officers employed the tasers."

Police said they used a Taser on Petruney twice -- once in the leg and once in the back. Police said that's when Petruney went into cardiac arrest and was taken to Washington Hospital.

Petruney remains in the hospital. Police said they plan to charge him with resisting arrest and aggravated assault.

The police officer was treated for his bite wounds and released from the hospital.