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Family wants answers after Cary police use Taser on man

The family of a Raleigh man who was pulled over by Cary police Tuesday want answers after they say he was tasered and ended up in the hospital.

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CARY, N.C. — The family of a Raleigh man who was pulled over by Cary police Tuesday want answers after they say he was tasered and ended up in the hospital. 

According to police spokeswoman Susan Moran, Michael Anthony Peacock, 41, was pulled over about 6 p.m. at Lake Pine Drive and Maynard Road for speeding. Officers said Peacock failed to comply and began running from police, who pursued him.

Police confirmed that officers used a Taser on Peacock, and that he did fall and suffer injuries. His family said he had a fractured skull and broken back. 

"His nerves are damaged," Phyllis Cook, Peacock's mother said. "His prognosis to ever walk again is very slim."

Cary Police Chief Pat Bazemore said officers followed procedure when pursuing Peacock, but his relatives said they believe police used excessive force. 

"Our officers, they were conducting an investigation which led to a drug investigation," Bazemore said. "During the process of that, Mr. Peacock fled, and our general orders do allow for our officers to deploy the Taser in those circumstances."

Peacock was charged with trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to sell marijuana and resisting arrest, and Moran said officers found drugs in his possession following the traffic stop.

Peacock's girlfriend said he called her as he was being pulled over, but that she never heard back from him.

Some time later, Peacock's family said they found out he was at WakeMed. His condition was not immediately available Wednesday, but his family said he will undergo surgery Thursday. 

The family has hired an attorney, and Bazemore said the department's internal affairs unit is looking into the case. The police officer involved in the incident remains on duty.

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