Sheriff's Office Speaks Out On Taser Incident

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Posted: 7:28 PM Apr 2, 2008
Last Updated: 10:24 PM Apr 3, 2008
Reporter: Rae Chelle Davis
Email Address: RaeChelle.Davis@wibw.com

61 comments

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The Shawnee County Coroner's Office says it could take eight weeks to get all the test results back on a man who died after being tased by Sheriff's deputies.

In a news conference Wednesday Sheriff Richard Barta said that in his heart he does not believe the taser caused the death of 59 year old Walter Edward Haake Jr. However, he says he will wait for the Coroner's report to make a decision.

Haake was tased three times on Saturday night when he refused to come out of his vehicle and receive medical attention. Two deputies were on the scene along with Goodyear employees and AMR.

Goodyear security officers called the Sheriff's Office when they were struggling to keep Haake from leaving the plant in his vehicle. They felt Haake could not safely drive his car. The deputies did get the keys from Haake.

Haake was tased only after he repeatedly refused to comply with the deputies and AMR. The taser used did not have prongs and did not pierce Haake's skin, however, it still uses volts of electricity. For more information about tasers you can click on the link below.

The Shawnee County Coroner is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of death. As a matter of policy the Sheriff's Office is conducting an internal review of this incident. Neither of the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. Sheriff Barta says they have unblemished records.

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

Posted by: BB Location: here on Jun 5, 2008 at 06:18 PM
this man did nothing to warrant being tasered, more cops getting away with murder, unchecked. Hope these cops get the same thing, a sickening end to there lives.

Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Apr 10, 2008 at 08:59 AM
so the taser didnt kill the guy, just typical excessive force.

Posted by: Robert Location: Arkansas City,KS. on Apr 9, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Well,I wonder what kind excuses everyone will come up with now,for these Lazy Idiots!

Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Apr 9, 2008 at 07:27 AM
teh coroners report came out today its on the kwch site. the guy died of asfixiation due to someone compressing his chest while he lay face down getting handcuffed. sounds like real reasonable force for an old guy with diabetes and heart trouble, he must have REALLY resisted.

Posted by: outoftown Location: KC on Apr 5, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Why does Topekas real estate rank amoung the cheapest in the country again? People cant even make valid, educated statements. Most of you dont even know what agency was involved! Who let all the former Menningers Clientele on here? TOPEKA: HOME OF FRED PHELPS AND MANY OTHER IGNORANT, CRAZY PEOPLE!

Posted by: Robert Location: Arkansas City,KS. on Apr 5, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Let`s all watch to see what kind of justice,there really is in Shawnee County!

Posted by: Cindy on Apr 4, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Apparently, most of you are missing the point. A man was "drive stunned," not tased. This was done to subdue him so that he would not further harm himself, OR other people. How would that have been if your parent/child/friend had gotten hit by the man having a medical crisis and killed while he tried to get home, knowing AMR and SNSO just stood by and said "that's his right...to refuse medical treatment and run off the road, killing himself and whoever else with him." THEN you all would REALLY be hating law enforcement, asking why nothing was done. I hope you all eat your words when the coroner's report comes out, saying that the man would have died regardless. My thoughts and prayers to both families involved.

Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Apr 4, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Know, I also know a little about electricity, having worked with it for 40 some years. the charge from the taser is dc andac at a high frequency, thats how they generate the voltage with an inverter and a voltage multiplier. the ac componant does not flow neatly between the two points, but spreads over the surface of the body. if you watch someone being sutn gunned, they also arch their backs, and go into "muscle lock" this can generate a lot of shock to the system on a healthy person, how much for a sick person?

Posted by: Robert Location: Arkansas city,KS. on Apr 4, 2008 at 11:26 AM
From the sounds of this then MR.Haake must have been a body-builder,because the only way all of these so-called people,who was there to help him, could help him was to tase him 3-TIMES,back to being able to do a job properly,apparently someone needs to hit the gym,or try doing some real manual labor for a change,or just own-up,HUH?

Posted by: KNOW on Apr 4, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Cliff, when the darts are shot out and spread apart the electrical current passes from dart to dart. Therefore the muscles in btwn are affected and the body “locks up”. With the drive stun the current only goes an inch or two, how ever far the metal nodes on the end of the Taser are, like the old stun guns. So it doesn’t affect the whole body like the darts do. Heck, if the darts where to hit a couple of inches apart it wouldn’t have near the effect that it would if they were far apart. You could touch a person’s body while they were being “shocked” and not feel a thing as long as you were not touching the area btwn the darts. To all of you who think I’m missing the point, I am not. I never implied once that the officers didn’t do anything wrong. I am just trying to get people to understand that the Taser didn’t cause this poor man’s death.

Posted by: JC Location: Manhattan on Apr 4, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Apparantly we are still missing the point. An ill man was tazed for not wanting medical treatment. Then EMTs worked on him trying to save his life after he was tazed and handcuffed. Now for tazers to be classed as non-lethal weapons, they sure have been in the news alot. And they may be non-lethal to a healthy mid aged person that has "broken" a law. But a sick 59 year old man who is already in distress, not wanting medical threatment, get real. What threat did he present to the police, he was not getting out of the car, so what. A tazer is a weapon to disable a threat not a cattle pod to get someone moving. He was blocked in, the police had his car keys, he was going no where.

Posted by: Wow Location: Topeka on Apr 4, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Paramagic Extraordinaire..wow..how ignorant are you!Have you ever been to Topeka, KS and seen the call volume that we have here.There is no need to "get PD to tase someone and "murder" them to give us something to do!"There is no lack of calls here..actually there is an abunadance.If you ever want to get some real experience you should come out and work with the wonderful people of Topeka...I'm sure you wouldn't be able to hang though.Bring your paramagic skills with you so that you can talk every patient that refuses treatment that needs to go into going.Wave your magic wand and all of the issues that we face as EMS providers will just go right away. Bring your cape too..maybe you will have some use for it.Most people come to do their ride alongs in Topeka due to the call volume and amount of experience that they will gain. There is no reason to go door to door to find out if anyone needs us, but if we ever do need a stooge squad with perverted medical expertise,then we will call you!

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 4, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I think law officials need to go back to the drawing board so to speak on tasers. It is obvious that their use is resulting in death. Once is luck...twice is coincidence but after so many deaths across the US just after the use of a taser is just blatant bad science and cover up. As americans we have the right to refuse medical treatment...the cop was out of line..so were the medics. I hope that they are disciplined.

Posted by: Jack Location: Topeka on Apr 4, 2008 at 08:27 AM
My point is not to try to sway any of your "retired" and stubborn misconceptions of reality, because that would be impossible. The reality of this situation is more than likely known and should be shared with the family of the gentleman. I'm ok with that because it is not your "retired" business. If this was inappropriate or unavoidable, then the consequences will happen to those responsible. I would agree with Robert from Ark-City,it is a crying shame,a crying shame that this man was allowed to be at work in this condition and that Goodyear did not address his work-related injury appropriately and waited until the end of his shift when he was trying to leave. Ya'all call the cops when you want them to fix things, or are too scared to take care of things yourself. No, this was not a LEO action until everyone ignored dealing with the problem and allowed the situation to get out of control, then it ultimately became a LEO action. step up and be a civic person and deal with things.

Posted by: Jim Location: White City on Apr 4, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Little confused, since when is it law enforcemets role to force medical care on an individual that does not want it, and when is it in the perview of a private buisness to detain an employee against his will. There was not a judge present, so there was no court order. Second, is it the policy of the Topeka Police to Tazer someone in medical distress. What I see here is the possiblity of major problems for the Police and Goodyear who detained the individual against his will. This is a federal civil rights violation, and possibly a case for second degree man slaughter. There have been numerous cases across the nation in the past year of misuse of Tazers by police. There have been deaths involved. It is quit apparent from this incident that the SCSD not only needs training in the approrate use of when to deploy a tazer, but in what their authority really encompasses. Remember to protect and serve, not to bully and tazer.

Posted by: extremelyfunny on Apr 4, 2008 at 07:59 AM
I am extremely honored I have received some responses. All you people are hearing is a man was tazered and later died. You dont know what led the police to tazer them. And I dont care what people say happened, you dont know the truth about it. Maybe if people would cooperate with Law Enforcement, things like this wouldnt happen. And they did not have the darts in, therefore, it was not going to be as effective. But you MORONS are so anti-police it makes me sick. I hope my loved one NEVER has to go to any of your houses for calls. I would think that would be hypocritical...

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 4, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Robert, then hang a sign around your neck that says "please don't try to save me, just let me die isntead", and this won't be an issue for you. that's what happened here. this man was not in his own normal state of mind, had stroked, was going to die if he didn't receive help, was unable to make a decision on his own due to his state of mind, and was TRYING to be saved by the cops. they TRIED to save his life. if you don't want saved, that's your choice. no one will use their toys (taser, hands, cpr, defibilator) to help. just let us know.

Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Apr 4, 2008 at 07:21 AM
Know, have you ever seen anyone being tased? for something that only shocks between the barbs, why does the whole body lock up, the back arch and such? the muscles are reacting to the electric shock. heart muscles react to shock too, as well as brain and other organs. I still dont think enough study has gone into tasers by really independant investigators.

Posted by: Johhny Boy' Location: Topeka on Apr 4, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Robert, here's a couple of facts for you. 1. AMR recognized the man was going down hill fast and knew that it was imminent that he be treated right away. They asked the Deputies to get him out of the vehicle. 2. The man wrapped his arm through the steering wheel and latched on. 3. The Deputies tried talking him out, they tugged on his shirt, they grabbed his arm and pulled. 4. Despite all of those tactics, they couldn't get him to release his arm from the steering wheel. 5. They plead with him to let go or they would have to taser him. 6. After several warnings, they stunned his thigh, but to no avail. 7. They gave him another chance to let go and warned him again, and stunned him on the thigh, again to no avail. 8. After more warnings and pleas, they stunned his arm that was hooked around the steering wheel. 9. He finally released his grip, they pulled him out of the vehicle, he was combative, they handcuffed him to protect the EMS, and they began to treat him.

Posted by: Robert Location: Arkansas City,KS on Apr 4, 2008 at 05:05 AM
Oh,please.You are missing the point or avoiding it.Being a Police-Officer,or a Deputy Sheriff,You are supposed to carry yourself as a professional,in a professional position,it`s pretty cut and dry here, what happened here,argueing over which toy was used is pointless,the real question is,what is going to be done about this? Also,while we are just"chatting" ,alot of us are just retired,everyday people,who you see everywhere on the street,just trying to live life,and not hurting anyone,and we sure DO NOT expect to be treated like this from any law enforcement,THIS IS A CRYING SHAME!

Posted by: anonymous Location: denison on Apr 4, 2008 at 02:25 AM
can anyone say sensitivity training? i think its a little presumptuous to assume the taser was not at all connected with this mans death. unfortunately, for the rest of us, these taser-happy cops are still out there serving and protecting.

Posted by: Know
Drive stuns “shock” the skim btwn the nodes end of the Taser. This causes pain on the skin being shocked btwn the probes. Electricity doesn’t course through the body, just at the contact point. The darts are more effective because of the spread btwn them when shot. Everything btwn the probes gets a jolt. So if someone is hit in the shoulder w/ 1 probe and the thigh with the other, they get volts coursing thru their body from probe to probe. Taser’s do not transmit enough amps to kill. Death occurs because the person is so out of shape or in poor medical health that their struggle prior to Tazer causes cardiac arrest, stroke, aneurism, etc. Not a single death, sensationalized by the media, has been attributed to the Taser. All deaths were due to sudden and intense physical exertion (resisting officers and fighting) which caused cardiac arrest, stroke, aneurism, etc. These “attacks” are typically due to drug usage, poor physical health, pre-existing conditions in the person’s body (weak blood vessels). I’m not saying the officers didn’t contribute to this mans death; I’m saying the Taser didn’t.

Posted by: John on Apr 3, 2008 at 11:48 PM
The fact is the SCSD did indeed taser this man. Whether it caused his death or not nobody knows, as of yet. The really horrible thing is WHY did the deputy taser the guy? That is the main question.

Posted by: Jack Location: Kansas on Apr 3, 2008 at 09:42 PM
I really am embarassed for the majority of you. Your ignorance leaves me speechless. There have been thousands of documented Tazings ON law enforcement officers since the Tazer came out as part of their training, and NOT one death has been a result. Take time to understand what the Tazer actually does and become informed. And you might brush up on your high school level physics and realize that amperage is what is deadly in electricity NOT voltage. A pace-maker operated with over 400 times more Joules than a Tazer can at it's optimal capability. The "drive-stun" method of deploying the Tazer is much less effective than getting shot by the darts. I would encourage you all to stop being, well you know...but I cannot take away your Freedom of Speech. So keep talking/chatting and I'll just plug my nose. Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution.

Posted by: Lucinda Location: Topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Extremelyfunny, how is the press making police officers look bad in this story? Have they lied? Omitted things that they know but aren't telling that would justify tasing an ill man three times? A lot of law-abiding citizens have the sense that the police believe that might makes right. It's a concern. We wonder if the police realize this and care. We wonder what police leaders believe and communicate to officers on this point. Over the years we hear of situations where police bullying of innocent citizens happens and we seldom see anything done about it. Sometimes it's just a man out walking in his neighborhood and he picks up a tossed cigarette pack to see if it has a coupon on it he can use when a policeman pulls his car up and says, "Don't throw that down, man." This seems to be typical behavior. I hear it from others. How do you defend this type of bullying of the public? Do you see how we might believe an officer would tase an ill man just because he's tired of the situation?

Posted by: robert dorman Location: Arkansas City, KS. on Apr 3, 2008 at 09:20 PM
I know it`s easy for fellow officers,and friends,or just people of the Good Ole`Boy alliance,to post their comments anonymous,instead of being proud of their opinions,because this is are shameful topic,and very hurtful for all of the family members,prayers to the family!

Posted by: Diverdave Location: Indianapolis on Apr 3, 2008 at 07:55 PM
The man who comitted no crime and may have needed medical attention was tasered (3) time by HELPFUL and kind police officers and died. It is akin to throwing out the baby with the bath water.

Posted by: anonymous 2 Location: kansas on Apr 3, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Why on earth didnt Goodyear security just call a family member to come and assist? Apparently they were familiar with their coworker. They could have asked questions do the best. Even with him refusing care, that is his right. My husband fell years ago at work and had a head injury, the workplace did not CALL the Sheriffs or Police to come get him, they allowed him to leave even with AMR there. It is every persons right. Even knowing something was just not right. I work in healthcare and we try to explain to the person what is best and give positive and negatives to their decision. When they still refused we dont go by force. It is just so sad, I feel so much for the family to have to go through this and what they will have to face down the road. My prayers go out to them. May closure find them.

Posted by: anon Location: kansas on Apr 3, 2008 at 07:11 PM
everyone needs to quit pointing fingers and blaming. EVERYONE should be praying for this family and for what they are going through. They need the support of their friends and relatives now to get through this ordeal. Unfortunately it will be a long ordeal and will just not end even after the coroners report is released. Hopefully the wrongdoers will be found guilty and some closure can come to this for their family. My heart goes out to his family

Posted by: robert dorman Location: Arkansas City,KS. on Apr 3, 2008 at 07:03 PM
I`ll tell you who`s opinion should really count,the family of the Mr Haake,during the jury trail of the deputy,Yea right!Maybe in a fair and equal society,but not in this Police run,good Ole-boy State,everybody concerned will cover this,and blame everybody,but the idiot!

Posted by: Think First People Location: Topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 06:34 PM
It just shocks me how stupid people in this town can be. You people need to do research on the taser before you trash it. It effects the nervous system and does not offer enough electricity to kill a person. Every officer who carries a taser has to get tased themselves. If you don't believe me, then call the TPD or Sheriff's Office. Second, for all of you arguing that officers should not tase a person with a medical condition. A medical condition can include mental health issues, drunks, drug attics, so on and so forth. So according to your opinions, officers should not tase a person who is completely doped up on drugs. If that is your opinion then fine. When some druggie or drunk comes to your home a threatens you and your family, just remember that law enforcement can't tase him/her because he/she has a "medical condition." Instead, they'll just talk to them and hope that nothing bad happens.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 3, 2008 at 05:49 PM
it really doesnt matter if in the city or the county,for cryin out loud,they all defend the same purpose,same thing all the way round.same rules,the county back into the city,no big deal,cop is a cop,officer is an officer,thay all are suppose to serve the people,not tase and kill em,for god sakes,this isnt cali,detroit,chicigo,watts,this is topeka,kansas when you can trust any officer,no matter where,every officer took the oath to serve and protect,not tase and kill. i rest my input until info on the autopsy. preferably 3.

Posted by: travis Location: topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 04:29 PM
oh 1 more thing people, we are talking about the sheriffs now not the TPD, plz get your law enforcement agencies straight.

Posted by: Whatever Location: Topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Heres a good question...where was he tased the third time? They say twice in the thigh but do not state where they got him the third time. Heard from a goodyear employee that saw it that it was in the neck. Gee, isnt that where the coronary artery is????

Posted by: NOT FUNNY Location: Topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 04:06 PM
I'm tired of all these cop's getting on here trying to justify what happened. Can you say "COVER UP". You don't use force on someone in a medical emergancy.Would hospital security tazer someone with a head injury.This man had rights.I would like to be on that jury.

Posted by: mmhmm Location: Topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 03:37 PM
TPD and the Sheriff are NOT the same thing. Think about it smart one... It isn't the same town. The sheriffs cant do stuff in the city and the pd cant do stuff in the county. Have you ever been to the LEC? They will hardly even look at each other... And I will agree with the ones with a brain on here, the deputys do need a brain...

Posted by: travis Location: topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 03:34 PM
just so you all know typing in all CAPS does not make your opinion any more valid than anothers

Posted by: to extremelyfunny on Apr 3, 2008 at 03:10 PM
t.p.d./ and or sheriff,same thing, same town!! they haad no business tasing an ill man in the first place,this man was a hard working veteran,and his son served in iraq! he fell and got hurt at home, then fell at work,due to his head injury,this made him combative when medical and police came making demands on him. a law abiding hard working taxpayig citizen!! tasing 3 times,was uncalled for! so, i read my facts from the family. they need a 2 and 3 opinion from 2 more coroners. case closed on this issue. I really thought sherriff,t.p.d. was all trained for the signs of a combative person. i see not. tasing 3 times on a concusion can only result in one thing and that happened. Do you honestly think a person would be working at Goodyear, if there was any problems with that person. come on, get a reality check, goodyear does drug testing,if the person doesn't comply radomly with ua,they are gone. so this man was within his RIGHTS AS A HUMAN BEING! SHERRIFF,T.P.D.~SAME,SAME!

Posted by: Robert Location: Arkansas City,KS. on Apr 3, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Of course,everyone who knows this criminal with a badge,is going to make excuses,for this action.He is eithier guilty of man-slaughter,or He definently not capable of handling a profesional position.

Posted by: extremelyfunny on Apr 3, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Lisa- how about you get your facts straight before you come on here acting crazy.. Number one, it was NOT the TPD that was responsible for this.. It was the Shawnee County Sherriffs... number 2.. the only thing ANY OF YOU know if what the press is stating.. press is always making any police department whatsoever to be the bad guy.

Posted by: ANOTHER CORNORS OPINION Location: TO THE FAMILY OF HAAKE on Apr 3, 2008 at 01:26 PM
I WOULD NOT TRUST THE SHAWNEE COUNTY CORONER'S OPINION,ALWAYS GET 2 OR 3 OPINIONS WHEN IT COMES TO A DEATH RELATED TASER INCIDENT. SHAWNEE COUNTY WILL COVER FOR THE SHERRIFF DEPARTMENT AND OFFICER,MONEY TAKS,BULL WALKS. GET 2 OTHER OPINIONS BEFORE HAVING THE FUNERAL!!

Posted by: TO EXTREMELY FUNNY Location: YOUR COMMENT on Apr 3, 2008 at 01:14 PM
IS SIMPLY UNETHICAL! A POOR SENSE OF HUMOR OR BAD CHOICE OF WORDSI SHOW (NO EMPPATHY) FOR YOUR COMMENT! YOU ARE A THOUGHTLESS PERSON, I WOULDNT WANT YOU ON MY TEAM!! EVER. I'LL PRAY FOR YOU INSTEAD,WITH THE COPPER AND OR COPPERS THAT TASED THIS HARD WORKING MAN 3 TIMES AFTER FALLING AND PROBABLY GETTINF A CONCUSION,AND FALLING AGAIN ON THE JOB,THE MAN PROBABLY HAD A BRIAN CLOD FROM FALLING OR INTERNAL BLEEDING CAUSING BRAIN DAMAGE,AND BEING TASED 3 TIMES IS NOT GOOD FOR THE BRAIN STIMULATION OR CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TO WHERE OUR BRAIN TRANSMITTERS ARE. THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF DEATH, I DON'T CARFE WHAT ANYONE SAYS,THIS MAN MAYBE COULD HAD LIVED THROUGH SURGERY,BUT DUE TO THE 3 TASERS ATTACKS,THIS WAS MURDER!!!! WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WE PROTECT THE PEOPLE? IT MORE LIKE WE KILL OUR CITIZENS BECAUSE THEY REFUSE MEDICAL TREATMENT OR DISOBEY A POLICE ORDER,THE MAN DONE NO WRONG TO LOOSE HIS LIFE VER AN OFFICERS FRICKIN MISTAKE OF MISJUDGEMENT BECAUSE OF IMPROPER LEARNIING ON HOW TO USE A TASE

Posted by: ASHAMED OF T.P.D. Location: MORE TRAINING FOR COMBATIVE ILL CITIIZENS on Apr 3, 2008 at 12:10 PM
SHAWN, I'M SO GLAD YOU CLEARED THIS UP!! A FALL LEAD TO A CONCUSION,DAMAGED TO THE BRAIN!! HEAAD INJURIES MAKES CLIENTS COMBATIVE,AND NO KNOWING WHEN THEY ARE DOING,THEY NEED MEDICINE ASAP,AND MULTIPLE BRAIN SCANS,COULD LEAD TO HEMMORAGE OF THE BRAIN,SO MANY COMPLICATIONS. BEING TASED ADDITIONAL 3 TIMES AT HIGH VOLTAGECAN 100% CAUSE DEATH OF A BRAIN INJURY,SHOCK,CONVULSIONS,STROKE,THAT LEADS TO DEATH. MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS,MY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL,THIS IS A TRAGITY,BUT THE TASER SHOULD HAD NEVER BEEN USED ON A HEAD INJURY,THIS IS PURE DEATH, HE MIGHT HAD A CHANCE TO LIVE IF THE TASER WASN'T USED 3 FRICKIN TIMES. IF THIS WAS MY DAD, I'D SUE THE OFFICER/OFFICERS FOR EVERYTHING THEY HAVE,RUIN THEIR LIVES,BECAUSE THE MAN'S DEAD,AND THE FAMILY IS GRIEVING BAADLY!!! TOPEKA POLICE DEPARTMENNT,YOU ALL NEED CLASSES ON RECONIZING MENTALLY IMPAIRATIVE,COMBATIVE CITIZENS. THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERY ACTION! AND TASING WAS NO REASON TO APPLY.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 3, 2008 at 12:04 PM
God help the TPD if that was my father. They would never hear the end of this. No common sense used here!

Posted by: ontheirsideagain Location: Topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I am sick and tired of all the cop bashing in this county. Knowing most of the police officers and deputies in this county, I can personally tell you that they had ABSOLUTELY no intention of tasing this guy until he made the decision HIMSELF to cause them to up their use of force in an effort to keep him from harming himself or others !! Some of you are trying to put these officers who risk their lives for each of you every single day, in the same category as some mass murdering serial killer !!! STOP IT !! Being a police officer is not the glorious job that all of you think it is, and there is not one officer that I personally know that gets a kick out of having to up their use of force to keep others safe. This is what they are trained to do and they do it instictively. Wait for the coroner's report before passing your judgement and getting dollar signs in your eyes !!!

Posted by: Lisa2 Location: topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Lisa, get your facts straight. TPD was not the ones on the scene, Shawnee County was. And a person any person can refuse treatment. If the keys were not in his possession and he was in his own car, he should have been left alone and family contacted to come and get him.

Posted by: Ontheirsideagain Location: Topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Once again, why not wait until the investigation and coroner's report come out, before you pass judgement. The man had medical problems, that is not disputed, but the man was having medical problems that would have made it unsafe for him to drive his vehicle, possibly hurting or killing himself or someone else. The deputies had an obligation to make sure that he did not get in his vehicle and drive. He was not cooperative with deputies or medical personnel. Everyone has the right to refuse medical treatment, unless they are deemed a danger to themselves or others, which he clearly could have been. Rumor has it that the deputies had his keys, but do we really know that for sure, and would that make a difference ? Just wait for the coroner's report and let's see, but I would guess that his fall at home earlier in the day and his fall later at work, contributed to his death, NOT THE TASER !! So stop being so negative towards the police in this county, they were only doing their job.

Posted by: A Paramagic Extraordinaire Location: Colorado on Apr 3, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Looks like AMR is still living up to their poor name! What? Did you want to try out the new CPR and couldn't wait for someone to COR? Working in Kansas, I guess it's easy to get the police psyched up to murder someone so you have something to do? Who is your Doctor? Who OK'd this brutal use of force? Which Emergency Department did you have contact with would find tazing someone who "needs" medical treatment prudent behavior? What are you going to do next? Take your Stooge Squad door to door, house to house to determine if anyone "needs" your perveted medical expertise? You, the AMR Paramedics, are a disgrace to the profession! Is this a window into what is to come? My sympathies to Walter's precious family. We will pray for justice. May God have mercy on us all!

Posted by: Robert Location: Arkansas City,KS. on Apr 3, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Really the is man-slaughter,but I bet this sick freak,won`t even be charged.What price can you put on a human-life?I guess we`re just doing away with the court systems,and just doing our sentencing right out on the street, HUH?

Posted by: LISA Location: TOPEKA on Apr 3, 2008 at 10:23 AM
WHAT KIND OF COVER UP ARE THEY GOING TO CALL THIS? I WOULD MAKE SURE THE OFFICERS WERE FIRED,WITHOUT PAY,AND PAY THE FAMILY COMPESATION FOR PUNITIVE DAMAGES AND COMPESATE THE FAMILY FOR THEIR LOSS AND PAY THE FUNERAL BILL,not at tax payers expense. this is unjustice, the t.p.d. should had let the medical techs handle this situation instead of thinking they know so damn much!!!! I'M NOT SUPPORTING THE TPD ANYMORE,BECAUSE THEY NEED TO BE CATCHING CRIMINALS DRUG DEALERS,ROBBERS,RAPISTS,INSTEAD OF KILLING TAX PAYING LAW ABIDING CITIZENS!! TOPEKA POLICE DEPARTMENT,STOP FIXIING EXCUSES FOR YOUR POLICE OFFICERS,YOU LET THE GOOD OFFICERS GO AND KEEP THE CORRUPT!!! THIS ONLY LEADS ME TO THINK WE HAVE NO MORE TRUST IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF TOPEKA! WHY TASE A MEDICAL ILL MAN BECAUSE OF COMBATIVE RESPONSE. I REALLY THOUGHT OUR OFFICERSW WERE BETTER TRAINED THAN THIS,ANOTHER WASTE OF TAXPAYERS MONEY,PIGPORK!!! I CALL IT AS I SEE IT!!! ((((((pigpork))))) WASTE!!! PIGPORK.COM

Posted by: LISA Location: TOPEKA,KANSAS on Apr 3, 2008 at 10:12 AM
THIS MAN WAS A HARD WORKING TAX PAYING LAW ABIDING CITIZEN,FAMILY MAN. IF THE PLANT KNEW HE HAD A MEDICAL PROBLEM,THEN WHY DIDN'T THE TRAINED MEDICAL TECHS KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHAT TO GIVE TO CALM THIS MAN DOWN. THE POLICE TOOK AWAY HIS KEYS! WAS THIS MAN A DIABETIC? HAVE A PACE MAKER? EITHER ONE OF THIS MEDICAL CONDITIONS? HELL YEAH , BEING TASED 3 TIMES WOULD HAD KILLED HIM! I SURE HOPE T.P.D. TAKES RESPONSIBLITY FOR THIS! WHICH I DOUBT, A COVER UP WILL ARISE. THIS IS UNCALLED FOR. THE T.P.D. SHOULD HAD NOT TASED THIS MAN AT ALL! THIS WAS UP TO THE MEDICAL TECHS,THEY HAVE MEDICINE THAT CAN BE GIVEN TO CALM THIS MAN FOR WHATEVER REASON! BECAUSE TASE HIM AND KILL HIM!!! BOTTOM LINE! FIRE THE OFFICER/AND OR OFFICERS. THEY NEED TO GO BACK TO TRAINING FOR HELPING THE PUBLIC IN MEDICAL SITUATIONS!WE SERVE THE PEOPLE,WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO THE MOTTO? I DON'T THINK TAXPAYERS SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS MAN'S FAMILIES COMPESATIONS! IT SHOULD COME FROM THE OFFICERS WHO TASED,KILLED

Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Apr 3, 2008 at 10:06 AM
so not doing what they say is a taserable offence? no danger to anyone at the scene, so torture someone to death is ok? why not just shoot people on the hunch they may be thinking something bad?

Posted by: Extremely funny on Apr 3, 2008 at 09:46 AM
once again, none of you know the story, except what the media is stating. And thats so funny to me.. How about, ONCE AGAIN, until you jump to conclusions, you wait and hear what exactly happened..So for you to state the deputy had no right to taser him is absolutely ridiculous!

Posted by: Shawn Location: Topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 09:28 AM
The man tased was a decorated vetern, his son is a former navy seal who served in Iraq. The man slipped in the bathroom and hit his head, before going to work. At work he complained of headaches, then at the end of his workshift, he had fallen in the locker room. This whole situation was blown out of proportion. I hope the son sues, sues, and sues some more. and the officers involved are prosecuted for Murder. Having lived in bigger cities, I must say that Topeka has more problems with thier law enforement then I've ever seen.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Topeka,Kansas on Apr 3, 2008 at 09:20 AM
If this man was MEDICAL ILL!!!! There should had been ways for the AMR to give him something to calm him down.This was a MEDICAL ISSUE,NOT T.P.D. problem. SINCE THE KEYS WERE TAKEN FROM THE MAN,WHY TASE HIM,HE WAS IN NO HARM TO ANYONE,LET HIM CALM DOWN,LEAVE HIM ALONE AND LET HIM HAVE HIS SPACE. WHY IN THE HELLL TASE THREE TIMES, THIS IS TRULY WRONG ON T.P.D.!!! IF THIS MAN HAD A PACE MAKER,THIS WAS TRULY THE CAUSE OF DEATH.IF THIS MAN WAS A DIABTIC,OMG,NO Tase!!! What were the MEDICAL REASONS? This man was treated like he was a criminal!!!! HE WAS A HARD WORKING MAN AT GOODYEAR, A TAXPAYING MAN!!! HE DID NOT DESERVE THIS TASER,LET ALONE 3 TIMES!!! If the cause was known of the Medical condition,Medical Professions new how to handle that situation! Or did they not know? They go through the training how to handle combative folks. T.P.D., YOU SHOULD BE SHAME! THIS WAS UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT! YOU TOOK A MAN'S LIFE! COMPENSATE THE MANS FAMILY!NOW

Posted by: Curious Location: Kansas on Apr 3, 2008 at 09:13 AM
It will be interesting to see what the coroner finds...It's obvious that Mr. Haake died as a result of repeated electricution...if they report anything but this it will prove that our system is corrupt. I'm also curious to know the names of the officers involved. That should be made public.

Posted by: a patriot Location: kansas on Apr 3, 2008 at 09:00 AM
My heart goes out to the Haake's for their loss. Reports are coming out all over the nation that people are dying after being tased. Aside from that, when I was an electrician I have been shocked by 110v for a split second several times. 2 seconds would be excruciating, and 4 seconds would be TORTURE. What crime did Walter commit? We have the right to refuse medical treatment if we don't want it. If they thought it wasn't safe for him to drive then why didn't they offer him a ride, or a cab, or at least follow him home to make sure he gets there safely...not tase a man with a "medical condition". This was a very bad decision, and there needs to be repercussions. The officers who did this need to be barred from law enforcement and tried in court, and thrown in jail for murder. Furthermore my opinion is that the Sheriff's office should be sued and made to pay wrongful death payments to the family of the deceased. This is America, right? Get familiar with the 4th Amendemnt!

Posted by: susan Location: fort riley on Apr 3, 2008 at 07:23 AM
Ridiculous!! An individual has a right to refuse medical treatment! I feel for this family. Come one...these cops had NO right to taser this individual!!!

Posted by: nobody Location: topeka on Apr 3, 2008 at 03:01 AM
OK, What are we missing here? The deputies had his keys, had him blocked in, he was unarmed, simply refusing to obey their order and they tased him. My sympathy to the family but what was the reason for the excessive use of force? Was he threatening the officers? If it was simply a medical condition that the officers were called for did they use poor judgement or were they simply impatient? And why all these details on this incident and so many secrets involving the TPD shooting. This incident gives details without revealing officers names, what secrets are the TPD hiding. The investigations are covering up something or they would be out in the open. Chief Miller gets credit for backing his men but will it cost him his job too for covering up something? Does Topeka have their own little Watergate going on? Come on Topeka wake up before the nazi police force takes over completely!!!! Will you be the next Rodney King???

Posted by: concerned Location: ks on Apr 2, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Is it safe to say the deceased refused medical treatment? What legal authority does AMR have? If the deputies had the keys why use the taser. If the deceased refused medical treatment, what legal authority did the deputies have over him? where was probable cause at in this situation? Were rights violated? Men and women are dying every day to protect our rights in armed conflict abroad. Maybe they should be brought home to protect our rights domestically!

Posted by: Kevin Location: Upstate NY on Apr 2, 2008 at 07:32 PM
The Sheriff says in his heart he does not beleivethe taser caused the death. What is his "hunch" based on? Scientific examiantion of the body and the scene, or damage control? The FBI should be investigating this.