Vermont AG Rules Trooper Justified in Stun Gun Death

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Police Issue Taser

Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell says a state trooper was justified in using a stun gun against a Thetford man who died after he was shocked.

Sorrell says reviews by his office and the Orange County State's Attorney's office ruled that no criminal charges were warranted stemming from the June 12, 2012, death of 39-year-old Macadam Mason.

The investigation found that Trooper David Shaffer shot Mason once in the chest with the stun gun after Mason, who was not armed, moved toward the trooper, who had been called after receiving reports Mason was suicidal. It was later determined Mason died of a heart attack.

State law says a person is allowed use force for protection if that person believes he or she is in immediate danger of bodily harm.

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