Contents
The Incident
Brian Cardell, a 32-year-old man, tragically passed away during a bipolar episode after a Hurricane police officer used a Taser to subdue him. The incident occurred when Brian Cardell, who was experiencing a manic episode, ran onto state Route 59, taking off all of his clothes and trying to either flag down vehicles or direct traffic. His wife, Anna Cardell, called 911 for assistance, expressing her fear and concern for her husband’s safety.
Police Response and Use of Taser
Upon arrival at the scene, Hurricane police officer Kenneth Thompson and Police Chief Lynn Excell were fully aware of Brian Cardell’s bipolar condition and his recent medication intake. However, instead of attempting to calm him down or use physical force or pepper spray, Officer Thompson drew his Taser. According to reports, Brian Cardell was shot twice with the Taser on his naked chest immediately over his heart after taking at most one step forward. He fell to the ground after the first shot but was subjected to a second Taser cycle.
The Aftermath and Legal Actions
Brian Cardell’s death was attributed to cardiac arrest. An autopsy report indicated that the cause of death was ventricular fibrillation—a faulty rhythm in the heart muscle—after he was tased. The medical examiner’s report suggested that the Taser might have been a primary or contributory cause of death. Following this tragic event, Brian Cardell’s family filed a lawsuit against those they believed were responsible for his death, alleging wrongful death, deprivation of constitutional rights, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Conclusion
The death of Brian Cardell highlights the complexities and challenges in handling situations involving individuals with mental health issues. It raises questions about the use of force and the need for appropriate training and protocols for law enforcement officers when dealing with such sensitive situations. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and compassion in crisis intervention.
