Indiana Cop Suspended For Tasing Kid

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jul 7, 2010 5:20PM

One of a pair of police officers in Martinsville, Indiana has received a hefty suspension for a March incident in which a 10-year-old special needs boy was tasered. Officer Darren Johnson was suspended for 45 days without pay and given two years probation for his role in the incident. He'll also have to issue a written apology to those involved in the incident. The second officer involved, Capt. William Jennings, will retire as of tomorrow. Local prosecutors have already said neither will face any criminal charges. According to the Indianapolis Star, the incident went down like so:

The special-needs boy was "biting, kicking, spitting, cursing and striking others with his hands" and attempting to bang his head, according to the special prosecutor's report. Jennings slapped the boy, and Johnson used a stun gun to deliver an electric jolt and calm the boy's aggression. The Taser's electrified prongs were not discharged.

Johnson said, "I didn't want to have to [tase the child]." More of his defense of his actions is included in the video below.