Off-duty police officer working security shoots 11 year old with Taser
CINCINNATI OH Aug 10 2018 — An 11-year-old girl was shot with a taser Monday after she attempting to shoplift from a Kroger store in Cincinnati.
According to USA Today, police confirmed the shooting and an investigation has been launched by the department.
The officer involved in the shooting was off duty at the time and providing security for the grocery store when he began questioning a group of girls suspected of stealing. One of the girls ignored his questions and began walking away before she was shot with the taser.
The girl was taken to the hospital and treated before being released to her parent’s custody. She was also arrested and charged with theft and obstructing official business, according to USA Today.
The name of the officer has not been released, but city officials have confirmed an investigation has been opened and answers are expected immediately.
“There needs to be a complete investigation,” said Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman. “It’s hard to understand why an 11-year-old would be Tased. I expect answers in 24 hours.”
Police Chief Eliot Issac issued a statement saying the department is concerned about what happened.
“We are extremely concerned when force is used by one of our officers on a child of this age,” said Isaac. “As a result, we will be taking a very thorough review of our policies as it relates to using force on juveniles as well as the propriety of the officer’s actions.”
The department’s policy for taser use is that they are only to be used “for self-defense or to temporarily immobilize a subject who is actively resisting arrest.”
