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Taser used to stop man threatening violence
2001-11-20
By Robert Medley
The Oklahoman

For the second time in a month, a new police weapon in Oklahoma City has been used to safely subdue a
person who threatened violence.
The M-26 Taser, an electric gun that fires small barbs on wires to shock people, was used Sunday to take
down a man with a machete who threatened to kill officers.
Shawn Allen Staten, 37, of Oklahoma City was arrested about 1:10 a.m. on complaints of unlawfully
carrying a weapon, disorderly conduct, public intoxication and a Cleveland County arrest warrant for
larceny.
Staten, standing in the parking lot of the E-Z Mart convenience store at SE 36 and Shields, waved a
weapon and screamed at officers to shoot him or he'd kill them, according to a police report.
Officer Rob Benavides first warned the man and then fired his Taser from about 15 feet. The barbs hit the
man in the back and he fell to the ground and was handcuffed, the police report said.
The Tasers have been available to Oklahoma City officers since Oct. 23. On Nov. 2 police used a Taser
on a woman who held a gun to her chin and threatened to kill herself while her boyfriend watched.
Capt. Jessica Cummins said police are using 80 Tasers, and more will be ordered as the budget allows.
She said police are pleased with the results so far.
The Tasers won't replace guns, however.