Oklahoma City, OK
OKLAHOMAN
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0 222,622

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NOV

20. 2001

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LlU!lPRESS CLIPPINGS

'Taser used to stop. man threatening violence
By Robert Mell'ey
StatrWriter

Forthe second time in a month, a new po.
lice weapon in Ok!ahoma City has 'been
used to safely subdue a person who threat.
ened violence.
The M·26 T~ser, an electric gun that fires
small barbs on' wires to shock people, was
used Sunday to take doWn a man with a rna.
chete whothreatened to kill, officers. '
Shawn Allen Staten, 37, of Oklahoma City

was arrested about 1:10 a.m. on complaints

of unlawfully carrying a weapon, disar-

derly conduct, public intoxication and a homa City officers since Oct. 23. On Nov. 2
Cleveland County arrest warrant for lar. police used a Taser on a woman who held a
ceny.
gun to her chin and threatened to kill her.
Staten, standing in the parking lot of the self while her boyfrtend watched.
E·Z Mart convenience store at SE 36 and
Capt. Jessica Cummins said police are usShields, waved a weapon and screamed at ing 80 Tasers, and more will be ordered as
officers to shoot him or he'd kill, thein, the budget allows. She .said police are
according to a police report.
pleased with the results safar.
Officer Rob Benavides first warned the
The Tasers won't replace guns, however.

man and 'then fired his Taser from about 15
feet. The barbs hit the man in the back and

he fell to the ground and was handcuffed,
the police report said.
TI: Tasers have been available to Okla.

"Tasers give .officers another option without' having to go straight to their firearms,"

Cummins said.

Staff writer Robert Medley can be reached b.y e,mall
at rmedley@oklalwman.l:om or by phone at 475-3946.