Prosecutor investigates police stun gun use after man’s death

Finland’s prosecution service has opened a preliminary investigation into the use of a police stun gun on an intellectually disabled man who was later injured and died in hospital, Yle reports.

The case is being investigated as a suspected breach of official duty and causing death by negligence.

Police used the stun gun on the approximately 50-year-old man at a Rinnekoti service housing unit in Espoo in the early hours of Friday, August 14. According to the prosecution service, two officers became involved in a struggle with a resident, during which one officer used the device as a means of force.

The man fell to the ground and lost consciousness. He was taken immediately to hospital, where he later died.

The investigation will establish what happened and assess whether the use of force was justified, taking into account the importance and urgency of the assignment, the danger posed by the resistance, the resources available to the officers and other circumstances.

Investigators will also examine the mechanism that caused the serious injuries and later death.

According to current information, the resident was not carrying a bladed weapon or any other dangerous object. The prosecution service said this, together with the characteristics of the person targeted by the use of force, gives reason to suspect that the force may have breached the provisions of Finland’s Police Act.

Police had been called to the housing unit the previous day after staff reported that the man was behaving aggressively. Officers returned on Friday, when the violent behaviour was still continuing as the patrol arrived, and eventually used the stun gun.

Once the preliminary investigation is complete, the lead investigator will assess whether there is still reason to suspect a crime. If so, the case will proceed to consideration of charges.