'Confusion of the Situation' Leads to Double Tasing

Paramedics called to assess an unconscious patient soon found themselves in a situation requiring police assistance.

Medical personnel were dispatched to the 2600 block of Dacula Ridge Drive on Nov. 9 to assist the allegedly intoxicated man. Paramedics requested police respond after the male refused to cooperate and became belligerent.

"The suspect appeared extremely intoxicated, slurring his speech, very red watery eyes and could not comprehend or answer any questions asked," the officer wrote in the report. "His only response was 'I was [expletive deleted] asleep' and repeatedly yelled that to the EMS personnel."

According to the report, personnel at the scene tried more than a dozen times to help the man, later identified as Anthony Long, age 36, understand what was happening. Long, the report stated, only became further agitated and enraged.

"He got out of bed and his face became red and he started yelling at everyone," the officer noted. "His rage turned into him making statements of 'Take me to jail then. Let's go.' when no such actions had been mentioned, insinuated or threatened."

After Long reportedly broke some glass candle containers and took a fighting stance, one of the officers drew his taser and trained it on Long. At that point, Long "started his attacking motions" and moved toward a second officer. Upon hearing the officer with the taser trying to get someone to move out of the way, the second officer became uncertain as to whether or not the other officer still had a clear shot at Long.

"I was not sure that [the other officer] was able to deploy his taser and fearful that the suspect was about to hit me, I drew my taser and deployed it on the suspect," the officer wrote. "At the same time, [the other officer] deployed his taser on the suspect. Due to the confusion of the situation, the suspect had two different tasers used on him at the same time."

Once Long was on the ground, the officer ordered him to roll onto his stomach so that he could be handcuffed. Long initially refused to cooperate, but finally complied when told he would be tased again if he did not.

Paramedics removed the taser probes and treated Long's wounds. Long was then placed in the officer's patrol car.

"The suspect was still being disruptive and threatening to sue everyone," the report stated.

Once at the jail, Long was still "verbally threatening to sue and get revenge on the officers." Deputies at the jail declined to accept Long until he was taken to the hospital for evaluation. 

Upon their arrival at Gwinnett Medical Center, hospital security assisted the officer in securing Long to the hospital bed.

"He continued to threaten myself and security stating he was going to 'Blow us down' or have a friend at work do the same," the officer wrote.

According to the report, Long refused to cooperate with hospital personnel. For five hours, Long reportedly alternated between periods of rage and anger and a state of depression. During that time, the officer continued to try to determine what had led to Long's condition.

"The suspect stated that he had not been sleeping and possibly had been up or had limited sleep for days," the report stated.

Long added that he had been prescribed medication including Ambien, a sedative used for the treatment of insomnia. When asked when he had last taken the medication, Long reportedly gave several different answers. 

Long further explained he had also been drinking, but was unable to advise when he started. According to Long, he had finally felt tired and fallen asleep when police and paramedics woke him.

The toxicology report revealed the patient had no illegal substances in his system, but did have a blood alcohol level of .32 grams or four times the legal limit. 

The hospital discharged Long and he was handcuffed again in preparation for transport to the jail.

"While taking the suspect to the jail, he became very mad again," the officer noted. "He continued to threaten to 'get me,' sue the department or both."

After handing Long over to deputies, the officer obtained three felony warrants -- two for obstruction of an officer and one for obstruction of an EMT. (Booking photo and bond information not available at time of article publication.)

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