UPDATE: The original news report linked to in this report has been updated to include the following information: 95-year-old Mr.Warna died of blunt force trauma to the abdomen, according to an autopsy from the medical examiner's office.
No further information at this time.
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This report has left me stunned. A Taser and bean bag rounds shot at a 95-year-old man who -- for whatever reason -- refusing to get into an ambulance?!? WTF?
The 95-year-old resident of an Illinois nursing home died early Saturday, hours after being shocked with a Taser and bean bag rounds in a confrontation with police.
Via:
"Officers were called to the 100 block of Main Street in Park Forest at 8:42 p.m. when the man became combative with a private ambulance company attempting to involuntarily transport him for medical treatment, Park Forest police said. The facility is Victory Centre of Park Forest, a "supportive living" center for senior citizens, according to the company's website.
The man was threatening facility staff and paramedics with a metal cane and a two-foot metal shoehorn when officers arrived, police said.
He refused to drop the items when commanded and instead grabbed a 12-inch butcher knife, police said.
The officers attempted to Taser the man to no avail and then struck him with bean bag rounds, which finally caused the man to drop the knife, police said."
John Warna, 95, was conscious and talking when he arrived at the hospital, according to police. However, he was pronounced dead by 2:30 a.m. according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.
The Public Integrity Unit of the Illinois State Police is reviewing the incident.
I'll certainly update you with any further information that becomes available.
