Protest aimed at ending police Taser use

DETROIT, May 22 (UPI) -- Police should not use Tasers in the line of duty because of the possibility of related deaths, more than 100 people said in a Michigan protest.

The Detroit Free Press said Friday the crowd gathered at the border of Detroit and Warren, Mich.., Thursday to take part in a Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality demonstration.

The protest was prompted by the death of 16-year-old Robert Mitchell, who died after being shot with a stun gun by police officers following a traffic stop. An official cause of death in the teen's April 10 death has yet to be determined.

Mitchell's mother, Cora Mitchell, spoke Thursday to those gathered at the 8 Mile border about her son's death.

"This isn't just about Robert. We need to save all the children," said Mitchell, whose family has already filed a wrongful death suit against the city of Warren.

Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer defends his officers' actions in the incident as well as police use of Taser stun guns.

"The Taser is an acceptable tool throughout this country and has probably saved thousands of lives," Dwyer said.