Sheriff Criticized Over Man Who Died After Being Tasered

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Kansas Voices

Sheriff Criticized Over Man Who Died After Being Tasered

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Posted: 3:28 PM Apr 3, 2008
Last Updated: 3:28 PM Apr 3, 2008
Reporter: AP

7 comments

A | A | A

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ The local sheriff's department says it might not know for weeks whether a deputy's Taser shocks killed a man in a brief confrontation.

But the Shawnee County sheriff continues to face criticism over the incident.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. worker Walter E. Haake Jr., 59, died early Sunday. An ambulance and two deputies had responded to a report that he was having a medical emergency.

He was in his car at Goodyear's north Topeka plant, and the deputies asked him to get out. After he refused repeatedly, a deputy used her Taser.

According to various accounts, he was handcuffed and didn't respond when deputies asked him to rise.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Rod Location: Emporia on Apr 10, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Well, actually I have had jobs where I had a huge impact on people's lives. I just don't think force or violence should be our first recourse to solving problems. I have tremendous respect for our law enforcement community and the thankless jobs they do; but I have also met bad cops who seemed to think their badge gave them the right to give orders to or threaten anyone. I think some social work training would be very helpful for resolving many issues.

Posted by: D Location: Topeka on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Rod, the Deputies are required by law to intervine when the life of a citizen is in danger. If the actions they took were what needed to be done at the time, then that is what they had to do. They cannot stand by while a person dies, that is the law, they are required to do something and if they hadn't, you would be on here chastizing them for that. You have the benefit of hind sight, they don't. Put yourself in that position for a second, making life or death decisions without the benefit of hind sight, could you do it? That luxury is not afforded to the brave men and women that protect you and this community. Give em a break, tell them thanks and pray for the family of Mr. Haake.

Posted by: Hawk Location: KC on Apr 5, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I would stay anonymous too, if I left a comment like that. Uneducated and obviously unaware of what really happened. If you dont agree with our police officers and think you know the answers...become an officer. Make a difference instead of sitting on your computer making uneducated comments. I welcome you to do some research on tasers. There was obviously a threat. Heart attack....drunk....whatever....he shouldn't have been behind the wheel. He was IMPAIRED. That was exactly what the officer was trying to do...help the gentleman and protect others on the road.

Posted by: outoftown Location: KC on Apr 5, 2008 at 11:06 AM
After reading the comments made from the citizens of Topeka, I now understand why the housing market is so cheap there!

Posted by: Rod Location: Emporia on Apr 5, 2008 at 09:54 AM
If they already had the man's car keys, there was really no need to force him out of his car except to demonstrate police power. We have the right to refuse medical treatment in this country. Once they had prevented him from driving (since they thought he was a hazzard) there was no need for any further intervention. Too many law enforcement personnel seem to let the power of their position go to their heads and forget that people have rights in this country. And, some people just don't like to be ordered around.

Posted by: Rogers Location: Topeka on Apr 4, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Police are getting dumber and dumber on how to handle people. He just got off work, do you really think he was drunk or something. Probably had a heart attack. Why taser someone who is not a threat! Can't even count on police to help you anymore.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 3, 2008 at 08:48 PM
a woman tased a man @ goodyear plant. go figures; a woman place is in the home; taking care of the family;;;;; taking care of the home;;;; cleaning house; doing laundry; waiting on her husband hand and foot;;;;; having his babies;;;;;; responsibility;;;;;; caring;;;;; raising a family;; not tasing and killing;;;;;; a few months will go by and everyone will forget;;;;; justice needs to be served, resign from your job; sell everything you have to pay for the veterans funeral;;;;;; the rest of the money goes to his family;;; be homeless;;;;;;;; you deserve nothing;;;;;;;;;;;;; you should lose everything becaue of your stupidity;;;;;; you should had used better judgement that this man was already sick, he needed medical attention in the first place,this is why the 911 call was made. a citizen needed medical assisstance because of his health condition,instead a tragic happene,the woman officer made a poor judgemrnt call and tased 3 times because of no response!STUPID

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 3, 2008 at 06:55 PM
omg, it was a woman who tased mr.haake! omg, if the man couldnt get out of his car and the goodyear security already called for medical help,why in the hell did she tase him? if the man couldnt move,why in the hell the taser? goes to figure,woman,should know their place ,was she frightened of him? get a grip woman officer,what in the god name were you thinking? if your husband was sitting in a car and couldn't move becuse you ordered him out? would you tase him 3 times because he didn't follow your frickin order? i say, you should resign and sell whatever you have to pay for the man's funeral,and punitive damages to his family, i don't care if your out in the streets, you can't get gangs members,drug dealers,criminals,you go after sick ,hard working man, veteran.man, i would be so shame,if i were you, i would give up my job,and go to an old folks home and help the ladies knit,or would that be dangerous for them. maaybe go hikking in the aruba islands.they protect their own there.

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