Mn. State Patrol apologizing profusely over Taser death of motorist...

this just came across on the mojo wire

('sincere condolences" == get out the checkbook') the subtext here, i think is that the state patrol is going to get its ass sued off over this....


ST. PAUL — Authorities have identified a Fridley man who died following an incident on I-694 involving Minnesota State Patrol troopers during the Tuesday evening rush hour in New Brighton as Mark C. Backlund, age 29, of Fridley.

“The Minnesota State Patrol expresses its sincere condolences to Mark Backlund’s family,” said Col. Mark Dunaski, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol.

According to reports, troopers responded to a traffic crash near Silver Lake Road on I-694 around 5 p.m. and encountered a vehicle that had crashed into the center barrier, headed westbound on I-694. The officers approached the vehicle, and encountered Backlund, who was uncooperative with their requests. Troopers attempted to bring the situation and the individual under control, and in the process deployed a Taser. Backlund was transported to Unity Hospital in Fridley where he was later pronounced dead.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the incident. The cause of Backlund’s death is yet undetermined, pending the results of an autopsy.

Five troopers have been on administrative leave since the incident, as is standard procedure. They are Wade Erickson, trooper since October 1999; Jon Froemke, trooper since December 2007; Brian Helget, trooper since December 2007; Tim Koehler, trooper since May 2000, and Troy McCormack, trooper since June 1994.

Prior to adding Tasers to its equipment used statewide, the State Patrol conducted a 12-month pilot project from August 2006 to August 2007. Of the 60 incidents involving Taser use during that pilot period, a Taser was actually deployed 33 times, and was only displayed 27 times. No known health-related incidents resulted from deployment of a Taser during the pilot period.

The State Patrol currently has 93 Tasers in use throughout the state. Prior to receiving a Taser, troopers must complete a two-day training course, and they must complete a one-day recertification course annually. Trooper training standards exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations.

what happened here, but I do believe they will be cooperative with the investigation. I wouldn't say that for all police depts.

and they have probably the most dangerous job in law enforcement today....but i'm just guessing they'll pay a pretty big chunk of cash to keep this from becoming a lawsuit that goes to trial...
the republican "we hate trial lawyers" brigade will probably have a field day...