CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 17 (UPI) -- The family of a teenage boy who died after being shot with a Taser in North Carolina allege in a lawsuit they hold Taser International partially responsible.
The Charlotte Observer said Wednesday the family of Darryl Wayne Turner, 17, alleges Taser International should have warned its customers of the risks associated with the stun guns when deployed near the chest.
Attorney Ron Harris, who is representing Turner's family, alleges before the teen died of cardiac arrest March 20, 2008, there was enough available information about such safety risks.
"There was a wealth of information, from our perspective, available to Taser that indicated that there was an inherent problem related to deploying the Taser to the chest area," the suit alleges.
Police used a Taser on Turner after he allegedly refused to leave a Charlotte convenience store and approached an officer.
The Observer said officer Jerry Dawson received a suspension and was required to complete additional training after it was found he used the Taser on Turner for nearly 37 seconds, a violation of department policy.
