Officer uses Taser on Vance student

News 14 Carolina
Nov. 04, 2005

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A school resource officer used a Taser on a 14-year-old student Thursday morning, shortly after a fight at Vance High School.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the fight involved the 14-year-old and three 16-year-olds. When a school staff member tried to break up the fight, the 14-year-old then turned to the staff member, ripped the staff member’s clothing and threatened bodily harm, police said.

The school resource officer responded and successfully placed the three older students in handcuffs. But the officer used the Taser on the younger student because the younger student -- after repeated commands to stop fighting -- continued to thrash about, kick and use profanity, police said.

The juvenile is charged with public affray, injury to property, and communicating threats.

The three 16-year-olds -- Corey Hazel, Wendell McCain and Shannon Sanders -- have been charged with public affray.

The incident comes one week after two students were stunned with a Taser during a brawl at North Mecklenburg High School.

Tasers have also been used this year at Garinger and East Mecklenburg high schools.