Cop Tasers 72-Year-Old Great-Granny
Airdate
:
6/10/2009
It's dash cam video that's causing a firestorm of controversy over a police officer's use of a Taser.
The woman who was zapped is a 72-year-old great-grandmother. The cop says she was resisting arrest, but now debate is raging about the way he handled the situation.
The incident happened outside Austin, Texas, when Kathryn Winkfein allegedly refused to sign a speeding ticket.
Winkfein: "Take me to jail. Go on, take me to jail."
Outside the vehicle, according to police, she was irate and foul-mouthed.
Winkfein: "Give me the [expletive] and I'll sign it."
Officer: "Get over here now!"
Winkfein: "Give it to me and I'll sign it."
Winkfein: "Oh! Oh! Oh! You're gonna shove me?
Officer: "Ma'am ..."
Winkfein: "You're gonna shove a 72-year-old woman?"
Things got tenser.
Officer: "If you don't step back you're gonna be Tased."
Winkfein: "Go ahead, Tase me."
Officer: "Put your hands behind your back."
Winkfein: "I'm getting back in my car."
Officer: "You're gonna be Tased. Stop!"
Winkfein: "I'm getting back in my car."
Officer: "No, ma'am."
Officer: "Tasered! Get on the ground! Get on the ground!"
Officer: "Now put your hands behind your back. Put your hands behind your back or you're gonna be Tased again!"
Authorities say the officer, identified as Deputy Constable Christopher Beize, acted appropriately in a dangerous situation.
Cops say the great-granny was not hurt. She has been charged with resisting arrest.
The officer is also reportedly a Taser instructor.
