Bainbridge police to review attempted Tasering of mentally ill woman

Oct. 08--BAINBRIDGE ISLAND -- The Bainbridge Island Police Department will evaluate an incident Saturday where officers attempted to use a Taser on a 72-year-old mentally ill woman who had gone on her neighbors' property and yelled at them, according to a statement from the department.

The attempt at using a Taser failed, as the darts did not penetrate her skin. The woman reportedly became belligerent when confronted, so the officers "took her to the ground," according to court documents. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly scratched the hand of an officer and punched the officer in the shoulder. The statement said the officer, identified as Mo Stitch, is believed to have followed department protocol.

"We take any use of force very seriously," the statement said.

The suspect was charged Monday with third-degree assault, a felony. A competency evaluation will be conducted to determine whether the woman is fit to stand trial, according to court records.

Deputy Chief Jeff Horn said Stitch was not considered injured from the incident and has not missed any work.

The department is frequently mentioned in discussions of law enforcement encounters with mentally ill suspects following a fatal police shooting in 2010.

In 2012, the city was ordered to pay almost $1.4 million to the family of Douglas Ostling, 43, who was shot through a door by Bainbridge Police Officer Jeff Benkert.

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