CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - The mayor in West Virginia’s capital city has asked the police chief to draft a plan of action for the use of stun guns following a police shooting that wounded a man.
Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin gave Police Chief Tyke Hunt until June 1 to develop a plan that includes mandatory training and certification, an inventory of the stun guns and training in nonlethal force and de-escalation tactics, news outlets reported.
The call comes after Charleston police shot and wounded Denaul Dickerson, 33, last week. Dickerson had a knife and made a “lunging movement” before officers shot him, police said.
Police were responding to a report of a man threatening to stab someone, Hunt said.
None of the officers who initially confronted Dickerson was equipped with a stun gun and Hunt said an officer who arrived on scene with one was attempting to get within range when shots were fired.
Hunt said during a Charleston City Council meeting that the police department has around 88 Tasers, but many officers are not certified to use them.
He said he informed officers that the mayor’s letter is positive because it supports purchasing stun guns and paying for training.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.