Tasers Kill: People wake up....They Must Be Banned

Man Shot With Taser Gun Dies In Police Custody

POSTED: 6:21 am EDT June 22, 2006
UPDATED: 7:58 am EDT June 22, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS -- A man died Wednesday night in police custody after he scuffled with officers following a domestic argument.

Joseph Stockdale, 26, was pronounced dead at about 9 p.m. Police said Stockdale had been Maced and shot with a Taser gun by two Indianapolis police officers.

Investigators were called to a home in the 2900 block of North Colorado Avenue, on the city's east side.

Officers said Stockdale had been in an argument with his girlfriend, who lives at the home, and some neighbors. Police said Stockdale became combative when officers asked him to leave.

Officers said Stockdale began fighting with police, and swung a ceramic statue at them. Officials said officers began using the Mace and Taser gun after Stockdale began fighting.

Medics were called to the scene to check out minor scrapes on Stockdale's body, but police said he refused treatment and the medics left.

An officer then noticed that Stockdale had stopped breathing as police waited for a wagon to come pick him up.

Medics were again called to the scene. Stockdale was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

An investigation is under way to determine the cause of Stockdale's death.