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Updated:
Sep. 05 (09:59)
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Medical Examiner rules on Suspect's Death
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Updated On: Jul 16, 2010 (10:58:00)
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CAUSE OF DEATH DETERMINED:
City man Tasered in police custody
died of excited delirium, report says
Published: Friday, July 16, 2010
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By HILLARY FEDERICO, Press Staff
Click to enlarge
MIDDLETOWN A 35-year-old man who died in May after allegedly being shot with a Taser by police officials is said to have died as a result of excited delirium, according to a report issued by the medical examiner's office Wednesday.
Usually drug related, excited delirium is a disorder that occurs suddenly and creates aggressive behavior, shouting, paranoia and unexpected physical strength in its victim.
Though the Chief Medical Examiner's office said it could not release further information as to the cause of death, the diagnosis has left many to question whether the Taser played a part.
"Absolutely nothing at the time indicates any wrong-doing done by the officers," acting Middletown Police Chief Patrick McMahon said. "I think the medical examiner's findings speak for themselves."
At approximately 7:50 p.m. on the evening of May 24, five police officers from the Middletown Police Department were dispatched to the second floor of Town Ridge Apartments with a report of a male in need of medical assistance, according to the police report.
Sgt. James Prokop, K-9 Handler Doug Clark and officers William Hertler, Chris Lundberg and Elias Martz responded to the call. They said they found Middletown resident Efrain Carrion, 35, inside the apartment with his wife Rhode Carrion and other family members.
Carrion was allegedly detained and handcuffed "for his safety" while EMS personnel attempted to assess his condition, according to a May press release sent out by the State Department of Public Safety.
Carrion allegedly became violent after he was handcuffed, according to authorities. Police said that he fought officers, refused orders and even choked a police dog present at the scene to unconsciousness.
His wife said that was not the case. Rather, Carrion was trying to get away from the police who were shooting him with a Taser.
In the past several years, Taser guns have become increasingly popular weapons of choice by police officers stirring up debate across the nation. They operate by way of electric pulses and human muscle contractions to incapacitate people considered to be a threat to law enforcement and the public.
After the deaths of three Canadian men shot by Tasers in 2007, debate over the degree of harm they can cause have led many to question the necessity of Taser guns, especially within police departments.
The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based TASER International stands by its product stating that the energy emitted by the Taser does not affect internal organs. Rather, the tool's energy follows the grain of a human's muscle, impacting sensory motion and motor control.
No representatives from Taser International could be immediately reached to comment Thursday.
The police, who have admitted to the use of a Taser at the scene, said they used it as a last resort after attempting to control Carrion verbally.
"Tasers are very safe if used properly. They are designed to minimize any injury to individuals and injury to police officers," McMahon said. "It eliminates the need to use a nightstick or police dogs that can bite and harm someone."
Middletown officers said they continued to attempt to calm the subject in a wooded area behind the apartment complex. At some point Carrion became unconscious and was unresponsive, according to the police report. The report further states that EMTs, already present at the scene, immediately attempted to revive Carrion before he was taken to Middlesex Hospital.
Carrion was pronounced dead upon inspection at the hospital.
At the request of the Middlesex State's Attorney and McMahon, the Connecticut State Police are investigating the incident.
"That's why we're taking care of it, to stay impartial," Sgt. Shawn Corey of the Connecticut State Police said.
The Carrion family also recently stated that they are suing the police department for wrongful use of Taser guns.
For now, the use of Tasers by officers of the Middletown Police Department will not change, according to McMahon.
"It all depends on the verdict," McMahon said. "I don't know exactly what will happen in the future."
In May, the Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. According to Corey, the case is currently still under investigation.
Hillary Federico can be reached by e-mail at hfederico@middletownpress.com.
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| Sergeant George Dingwall | End of Watch / 28-JAN-2000 |
  NEVER FORGET |
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| Annual George Dingwall Golf Tournament | The annual tournament dedicated in Sgt. Dingwall's name is held annually in August. |
The fun filled tournament benefits scholarships in memory of Sgt. Dingwall. The tournament is held at the beautiful Lyman Orchard's Golf Club located in Middlefield, Connecticut. For more information on foursomes and tee sponsorships contact Det. Rick Batts (860) 344-3232. |
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