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Just In: The North Carolina Senate on Sunday released a preview of its $20.58 billion budget proposal for 2013-14, which would increase spending by 2.3 percent and offer the largest tax cut in state history. The spending plan closely follows the priorities set forth in Gov. Pat McCrory's budget proposal.

Posted: July 12, 2012

Former cop charged in tasing death of Scotland Neck man

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SCOTLAND NECK, N.C. — A grand jury has indicted a former Scotland Neck police officer who used a Taser on a 61-year-old man who later died.

Former officer John Turner is facing one count of felony involuntary manslaughter in the November death of Roger Anthony, according to court documents.

Turner responded to 911 call Nov. 21 about a man who had fallen off his bicycle in the parking lot of BB&T Bank. The caller told dispatchers that the man appeared drunk and that it looked like he had hurt himself.

Officers said they repeatedly told Anthony to get off his bike, but when he didn't respond, they shocked him. Family members say Anthony had hearing problems and suffered from seizures. He died a day later.

Turner was placed on administrative leave while the State Bureau of Investigation looked into the matter.

Reporter: Beau Minnick
Web Editor: Angie Basiouny

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Latest Comments

Why was the oter officer not charged? He was there and could have stopped this. Also why has the chief and town not been sued for hiring these officers. The chief is just as responsible as the officers. Thery should be fired as well.

Sherlock
July 13, 2012 6:30 p.m.

charges should be upgraded to voluntary manslaughter. Let me get this straight; no mention of a weapon on part of the frail 61 yr old man, no evidence of aggression and the officer felt the need to incapacitate the man - for what reason? because he did not respond to his "command"? - sounds like a return to the '50s and '60s both of the 19th and 20th centuries. Example after example of this kind of behavior is raising its ugly head all over the US and it must be curtailed by prosecuting these few officers who are setting the wrong precedent for those who are trying to do the right thing

caroexc
July 13, 2012 5:24 p.m.

Sounds like the police officer was not familiar with the concept of force continuum. Also probably needs a course in humanity as a beginning to realizing policeing is not just chasing the bad guys, but showing compassion for your fellow man.

weasel2
July 13, 2012 2:45 p.m.

The problem with police nowadays is the American Cop Mentality. What happens is that nowadays, being a cop in the US has become too much of a lifestyle rather than a job... when someone challenges their lifestyle or think that someone is challenging them, they get offended and take drastic measures.

Look at any civilized country, being a cop is a job... like a plumber, they do it and they go home. The recent video of that guy in london comes to mind, the one trashing the T-Mobile store. The cops came up to him, spoke with him, handcuffed him and took him away.

In the US, this guy would have been tased, tackled and maybe had ten cops on top of him. This happens all of the time, overkill in the name of officer safety. These guys took an oath to serve and protect. This job comes with inherent risks. If they are not willing to take a risk in an effort to serve and protect the public, they should look for some other kind of employment.

Banning off duty concealed carry may help.

Marty King
July 13, 2012 2:06 p.m.

"More like there's too many deaths associated with police."

“So, are you saying that there should be more police officer deaths?” beachboater

What did you hit your head when you got up this morning? Your question makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Remember comprehension could be your friend too.