ban Those Damn Tasers

American Scofflaw
El Reno police officers approached a vehicle that had spun-out on the interstate. Inside was a man who they thought was drunk or on drugs.
The man was wrestled out of his truck on Interstate 40 because he wasn't cooperating with police. Moments later police tazed the man.

After several attempts officers were finally able to get the combative man into custody. What they don't realize is the 53-year-old wasn't drunk or on drugs. He's was in severe diabetic shock. In fact, his blood sugar level at the time was 11.

Experts say a person suffering from diabetic shock will often show signs or symptoms closely related to somebody who's intoxicated. That can include confusion, aggression, shaking, sweating and disorientation.

"Eleven is pretty low blood sugar and he would not be able to process those commands coming from the officers," explained Dr. Mary Ann Bauman.

Police Chief Ken Brown said his officers had no way of knowing the man who was resisting arrest was in need of medical attention. "His actions, his demeanor, his lack to communicate led the officers to believe he was under the influence of intoxicants or narcotics."

Once police realized what was really happening, they called an ambulance and the man was rushed to the hospital. It was there police finally saw his medical alert necklace hidden under layers of clothing.

"Unfortunately, from the officers' aspect, they feel extremely bad after they learned that it in fact was a medical need and not someone who was under the influence of an intoxicant, drug or alcohol," Brown said.