Suspect hospitalized after taser hit

November 2, 2008
By DAVE DORMER, The Calgary Sun

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating after a break-in suspect was rushed to hospital in "very serious condition" after police jolted him with a Taser.

Insp. Vic Trickett said police were responding to a report of a break and enter in the 500 block of 42 St. S.E. about 8:15 p.m. yesterday when they found a man in the basement of a home.

"The officers investigating heard what appeared to be a window smashing in the adjoining half-duplex," he said. "They investigated further and located a suspect in the basement. The individual appeared very agitated and wasn't following commands, a Taser was deployed, but appeared to be unsuccessful."

Trickett said officers were then able to arrest the suspect -- believed to be in his 30s -- but he went into "medical distress" while being assessed by paramedics.

The incident comes days after a man died after being hit by a Taser by police in Edmonton. Trevor Grimolfson, 38, had reportedly attacked at least one person and smashed windows in a pawn-shop on Wednesday when police there were called. Police zapped Grimolfson twice with a Taser, but said it appeared to have no effect. He died later in hospital.

Members of the ASIRT are looking into that case as well.