Contact: Jack Beresford
San Diego State University
(619)594-2448 (office); (619)341-1091 (cell)
jack.beresford@sdsu.edu

Lt. Robert McManus
SDSU Police
(619)594-7874
mcmanus@mail.sdsu.edu

SDSU STATEMENT REGARDING FEBRUARY 6 TASER INCIDENT

SAN DIEGO (Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007) -- San Diego State University provides the following statement regarding the Feb. 6 incident involving the use of a taser device by SDSU Police on a non-student:

On Tuesday, Feb. 6, a 21-year old non-student was cited for illegally skateboarding on campus sidewalks and arrested for being combative with police. During the course of the arrest, the individual was combative and uncooperative. He initially refused to get off his skateboard and then would not stop when asked to do so by a uniformed police officer. A second officer was called in to assist. The individual continued to struggle with the officers ignoring their commands to put his arm behind his back and get to the ground. He was told to comply or he would be tased. When he did not comply he was tased using what is called a "dry stun" which is administered directly from the end of the taser device. The individual refused to roll over on his back and was tased a second time in a similar manner. Afterwards, he answered police commands and was placed in handcuffs. Later, while being processed, the individual admitted he knew why he was detained and apologized to officers for his actions. The individual did not report any injuries following his arrest and he was released after being cited.

Per department policy, the SDSU Police Department is conducting an investigation to determine if officers responded appropriately. The results of that investigation will be made public as soon as they are available. The safety of individuals on campus — including those who have committed crimes and are taken into custody — is the SDSU Police Department's highest priority.

Several witnesses have come forward and told SDSU Police the individual was clearly resisting officers' efforts to take him into custody. The mobile phone video taken by a bystander gives an incomplete and distorted view of the incident by showing only the final seconds of an altercation that lasted several minutes.

Each SDSU Police officer undergoes extensive training to ensure they understand the appropriate use of force, including the appropriate use of a taser device. Both officers involved also have several years of experience patrolling the campus and responding to similar situations.

This incident would not have occurred had the individual cooperated and complied with the patrol officers' lawful commands. SDSU Police actively enforce all campus regulations — including restrictions on riding skateboards, bicycles and scooters on campus. These restrictions have been in place for many years. In many cases a warning is issued and the individuals comply without being cited.

Individuals with questions about this incident, or SDSU Police policies and procedures are encouraged to contact Lt. Robert McManus, SDSU Police at (619) 594-7874 or mcmanus@mail.sdsu.edu.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelors degrees in 81 areas, masters degrees in 73 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSUs more than 34,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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