CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Police shocked a 95-year-old woman with a stun gun as she approached them using a walker and carrying a steak knife in an Australian nursing home, sending her to the hospital in critical condition after her head hit the floor. AdvertisementIt also has sparked debate about how New South Wales state police use stun guns, which are widely known as Tasers after a major manufacturer. Police said Nowland received her injuries from striking her head on the floor, rather than directly from the stun gun’s debilitating electric shock. Stun guns are a less lethal option than firearms but have occasionally proved more dangerous than other policing options. Cotter said police engaged in “negotiations” with Nowland for several minutes and used the stun gun when she approached the doorway where the officers were standing.

Source: Huffington Post May 20, 2023 01:25 UTC