Double Amputee in Wheelchair Tasered by Merced Police

The Merced (CA) Internal Affairs division is investigating a report that a Merced police officer twice used a Taser on a double-leg amputee in a wheelchair. The man, who is missing both legs, was carrying no weapons.

The Tasered man, Gregory Williams, 40, spent six days in jail on suspicion of domestic violence and resisting arrest. However, no charges have been filed. Meanwhile, he was released from jail last Friday.

Williams said that he was never physically aggressive toward the officers or resisted arrest. Neighbors who live in Williams' apartment complex state they witnessed the incident and support Williams' claims.

Additionally, Williams said he was publicly humiliated after his pants fell down during the incident. This too, is backed up by witnesses, who say the officers left him outdoors in broad daylight, handcuffed on the pavement, nude below the waist.

Gregory Williams added that the arrest also left him with an injured shoulder. As common sense would dictate, and as Williams said, "How much resisting am I going to do with no legs, no feet? How much resisting am I going to do? I'm not a violent person; I do not have a criminal background record."

While the official arrest report tells a (naturally) different story, the Merced Sun-Star received a short video that shows Williams on the ground with his pants down, handcuffed. The official report alleges that Williams was uncooperative and refused to turn over his 2-year-old daughter to Merced County Child Protective Services, among other things.

Racism hasn't been played as a "card" in this event, but the Sun-Star noted that the two lead arresting officers are white, and Williams is black. The two officers remain on duty.

This video is from Merced Sun-Star, broadcast Sept. 20, 2009, via RawReplay.