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N. Providence Man to Sue Newport Over Alleged Taser Incident

Chris Boardman

Story Created: Nov 20, 2009 at 8:38 AM EST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2009 at 8:38 AM EST

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 10:02 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.

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Saturday, Nov 21 at 1:16 PM anonymous wrote ...

This is not a surprise considering Newport Cops

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Friday, Nov 20 at 2:33 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?

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Friday, Nov 20 at 10:06 AM JEFFTG wrote ...

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

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Friday, Nov 20 at 9:51 AM joe wrote ...

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

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