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Highlands Today

Man Tasered 3 Times After Domestic Dispute

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By Joe  Seelig | Highlands Today

Published: December 6, 2007

An Avon Park man received three jolts from a Taser on Sunday before he gave in to police commands to show his hands after a domestic squabble at his home, according to Avon Park police.

Daniel Quiroz, 28, was charged with domestic violence battery, resisting a law enforcement officer without violence and giving a false name to a law enforcement officer.

Police officer David Sass reported that at about 11:44 a.m. Sunday, police were called to a home Quiroz shared with his girlfriend.

It began as a verbal argument, but then Quiroz reportedly began throwing and breaking things. As the girlfriend began picking up the broken pieces, she reported Quiroz slapped her face.

The victim left the home and called for help.

When Sass arrived he noticed a slight reddening on the left side of the victim's face, his report stated.

Quiroz was standing in the doorway, but quickly locked himself inside, according to Sass.

The victim told police Quiroz had a knife. Police dispatchers reportedly mentioned that he could be armed with a knife or a gun. Police entered and secured the home but Quiroz was not inside.

While searching a shed outside, police lifted up one of several blue tarps. Quiroz was crouched underneath. As police Sgt. Walter Baerhold and Sass ordered him to show his hands and get on the ground he did not follow their instructions, the report stated.

Quiroz, instead, balled up his hands into fists and came at the officers, ignoring repeated orders to get on the ground, police said.

Sass fired his Taser, which hit Quiroz in the arm and left side. He went to the ground, but still would not show his hands. He was tasered a second time, but still did not listen.

A third electric burst to Quiroz's neck finally convinced him to stop struggling.

Rowan said the effectiveness of the Taser often depends on several factors.

"If the prongs hit too close together you don't get the electric charge through the muscle mass," he said. "The strength of the batteries are also a factor. Sometimes, plain and simple, some people don't comply. When the jolt stops they start resisting again."

Rowan said his officers warn a suspect before the next Taser jolt is applied. Officers were still concerned Quiroz could have a weapon, he said.

Had the Taser not been used, the officers would have had to resort to pepper spray or expandable batons.

"Officers would have to get closer to the suspect, which means a better chance for the officer and the suspect to get injured," Rowan said. "The guy took an aggressive stance to the officers. They did what they needed to do."

Quiroz was handcuffed, treated by EMS personnel and taken to jail.

After an anonymous call to the sheriff's office, police later learned that the name originally gave of Jerson M. Martinez Hernandez was a false one, leading to the additional charge of giving a false name.

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