Police use of Taser questioned

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A Dickinson Police Department officer Tasered an allegedly innocent man at Maverick’s Saloon Dec. 30 in a case of mistaken identity, according to a police report released Friday.

It began when a vehicle with three male teens slid through an intersection and almost hit another truck, according to the report.

That vehicle allegedly followed them flashing lights, making gestures and eventually pulled up beside them and pointed a gun at them.

After another run-in the three male teens drove to Perkins to call their parents, who told them to call the police.

Officer Michael Legler and Senior Patrol Officer Thomas Grosz met the teens at Perkins where they described the suspects as young adults or teenagers, according to the report.

Officers were informed the suspect’s vehicle was last seen in the Maverick’s Saloon parking lot. Grosz and Legler came upon a vehicle matching the description, according to the report.

When the officers entered the saloon they came upon a young woman (Desiree Meyer) who matched a radio traffic description of one of the suspects, according to the report.

Grosz approached Meyer and asked her what she drove her response matched the description. Meyer was handcuffed and asked who she was with, she pointed to her husband, Shawn Meyer.

Grosz reported that he had told Meyer to put his hands behind his back and he repeatedly asked why and refused to do so.

Grosz told Meyer he would be Tased if he did not comply and Grosz grabbed his left arm and attempted to place it behind his back, according to the report. Meyer then tore his arm out of Legler’s grasp and refused to comply, and Grosz Tasered him, according to the report.

Officers escorted Shawn and Desiree from the bar and discovered they had the wrong people when they saw the Meyer’s vehicle matched the description except for the make, according to the report.

Grosz then told Meyer he was not under arrest and asked him if he wanted medical attention, he declined but later changed his mind.

After searching, officers found the correct vehicle and the alleged suspects. One juvenile got a referral for disorderly conduct, according to the report.

Dickinson City Attorney Matt Kolling said he has been made aware of the incident, but could not comment Friday.

The Meyers and Bryan Nelson, owner of Maverick’s Saloon, had no comment Friday.

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