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Hurricane officer cleared of wrongdoing
By
Trina Cobbley
Story Created:
Nov 19, 2009 at 10:54 PM MDT
Story Updated:
Nov 19, 2009 at 10:54 PM MDT
Prosecutors announced today they will not file charges against Hurricane City police in connection with the death of a mentally ill man whom they subdued with a Taser.
In a letter delivered today to Hurricane police from Washington county attorney Brock Belnap, it reads
" In my view Officer Ken Thompson responded to a tense, uncertain and rapidly unfolding situation in a manner consistent with his training and that he did not intend, believe or foresee could seriously injure or cause death to Brian Cardall
As a result and with unanimous recommendation of the screening prosecutors no criminal prosecution will be instituted"
Cardall died of cardiac arrest June 9 after being hit with a taser. The family had pulled over to the side of the road to get his medicine. He had been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and was experiencing a manic episode--running naked on a rural stretch of state Route 59.
After his wife called 911 for medical assistance, police officer Ken Thompson fired Taser darts into Cardall's chest. Cardall collapsed, unconscious. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Cardall family attorney Karra Porter also issued a statement saying, the family was disappointed, but not surprised by the report.
"In light of the County Attorney's decision, the family will discuss their options for ensuring that the full truth emerges regarding Brian's death,"
