Unarmed Military Veteran Tased After Police Respond to a Safety Call

A welfare response becomes a tactical operation

JM Audits says officers were sent to the veteran’s home after concerns were raised about his safety. The commentary notes that radio traffic reportedly indicated he was not threatening harm, yet multiple officers staged nearby with firearms before making contact.

Commands, a Taser and conflicting explanations

The footage shows the man walking toward officers with one hand raised and the other holding a drink. Officers repeatedly order him to keep his hands up and drop to his knees. A Taser is then deployed. Later, an officer says the man began dropping his hands, while JM Audits argues that the available camera angle does not support that explanation.

Questions about the investigation

The video says officers spoke with the man’s family and a neighbor but questions whether they attempted a direct phone conversation before surrounding the home. The veteran denies calling a suicide hotline. JM Audits also criticizes officers for discussing the private situation with a neighbor.

A supervisor reviews the footage

Near the end, a law-enforcement supervisor interviewed by JM Audits says the first appearance of the video does not show the older man presenting much of a threat and suggests that training or experience may have affected the response. He also says mental-health calls should not begin with shouting commands at an unarmed person.