Tools

N. Providence Man to Sue Newport Over Alleged Taser Incident

Chris Boardman

Story Created: Nov 20, 2009 at 9:38 AM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2009 at 9:38 AM EDT

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) - A North Providence man who claims a Newport police officer shot him with a stun gun has filed a notice of intent to sue the city.

Colin Millar alleges he had gone to a city home on Sept. 11 to
register for a spearfishing tournament scheduled for the next day.

He says in his complaint that while there, a uniformed officer
struck him in the chest with a Taser without warning or
justification.

Millar says the officer told him it was a "joke," and later told a paramedic the weapon discharged "accidentally."

He is seeking $961 in medical expenses and a $25,000 settlement.

A police spokesman tells The Providence Journal the incident is
under investigation. The officer was not named.

Under state law, a claimant must give the city notice before
suing.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Saturday, Jan 2 at 11:02 PM no justice wrote ...

His name is Officer Gregory A. Belcher, What was his punishment? 2 weeks off (at Christmas) with no pay! (source :Newport This Week Dec.17 2009). Big deal! In a report by the Berkshire Management group in 2006, (which is available on the city of Newport's website), the police department was called "a highly dysfunctional organization". It appears that three years later, the dysfunction continues to fester in this agency. Belcher should be indicted for this action.

34779522
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Saturday, Nov 21 at 2:16 PM anonymous wrote ...

This is not a surprise considering Newport Cops

32467989
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Friday, Nov 20 at 3:33 PM Jerry wrote ...

This is why we need to fire bad cops and keep the good ones? it was a joke? then it went off accidently why was it even taken out in the first place thats what i would like to know what caused this idiot officer to take it out and point it at someone?

32427804
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Friday, Nov 20 at 11:06 AM JEFFTG wrote ...

The state of RI is a joke his union will pay RIGHT? WORK hard RI so unions live better

32409006
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Friday, Nov 20 at 10:51 AM joe wrote ...

You cant make these stories up. Has everyone gone mad?

32408146
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

Please post your full name and city on comments.

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

ABC 6 and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

More Good Stuff
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
See more local news for your community
Warwick | Cranston | South East Massachusetts | Newport | Bristol | East Greenwich | Providence |
Local Guides
 Attleboro
 Central Falls
 Coventry
 Cranston
 Cumberland
 East Greenwich
 East Providence
 Fall River
 Foxboro
 Franklin
 Johnston
 Milford
 Newport
 North Attleboro
 North Dartmouth
 North Kingstown
 Norton
 Pawtucket
 Providence
 Taunton
 Tiverton
 Walpole
 Warwick
 West Warwick
 Woonsocket

Online Poll

Do You Think Increased Tax Revenue Means RI's Economy is Turning Around?

  • No, it's probably from some stealth tax HIKE that we don't know about.
  • Yes, things have been awful for awhile, and they're finally getting better.

On Demand

More On Demand

AP Video