'Excited Delirium' Discussed In Pittsburgh Taser Meeting

March 23, 2009
WPXI.com

PITTSBURGH -- A government meeting Monday morning focused on the use of Tasers by police in Allegheny County.

District Attorney Stephen Zappala assembled the group of professionals from police, law and medical communities, to come up with a standard rule for police use of Tasers in the Pittsburgh area.

In previous meetings, several health professionals and representatives from Taser manufacturers testified that the devices are incapable of killing people.

The investigation was prompted after Andre Thomas, 37, died after Swissvale police used Tasers on him in August.

An autopsy revealed, however, that the Taser did not cause Thomas' death. A medical examiner ruled that he died from a condition called excited delirium. On Monday, a physician testified there is no clear way to tell who has it.

Following the death, Zappala and Allegheny County formed the committee to investigate the physical effects of being stunned by a Taser.

The panel has been meeting at regular intervals since last year. They plan to have a final report for Zappala by late May or June.

Taser Committee Holds Meeting Discussing Importance Of Weapon

March 23, 2009
WTAE TV

PITTSBURGH -- The Taser Working Group -- top representatives from law enforcement and medicine -- appeared inside Pittsburgh City Council's chambers Monday morning with hopes of answering just how important the devices are to law enforcement.

"What are the risks involved? Is it appropriate at all to use these new devices?" said group chairman Justice Ralph Cappy.

Doctors at the hearing said medicine has never proved that a Taser has killed anyone or led to a death.

Instead, they said it's usually a medical condition known as "excited delirium," often brought on by illegal drugs.

"Why do people get tased and then die in this state? Well, I argue again excited delirium is likely part of that, which is separate from the use of force that we're talking about," said Dr. Joe Suyuma of UPMC Presbyterian.

Doctors testified that Tasers are often safer because it's usually less than the amount of force it may take to subdue someone and as a result, less chance of injury.

Monday's hearing was the fourth in a series of five the working group will hear.

They expect to make a recommendation to the district attorney in late spring.