Tasered man with autism sues Toronto police

From Canwest News Service in Canada:

An autistic man was allegedly punched and Tasered at least five times by police who were executing a search warrant in his home, according to a lawsuit -- filed by George Lochner and his family -- seeking $9 million in damages from Toronto Police.

Lochner's lawyer, Clayton Ruby said emergency task force officers used "abusive" and "unnecessary" force against the 43-year old developmentally disabled man the night they entered his bedroom looking for his brother Silvano Lochner, 50.

Photos taken of Lochner following the incident show what appear to be five sets of Taser marks on his back, stomach, and neck, though it is unclear how many times officers deployed their devices, Ruby said. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Ruby called for a ban on Tasers saying said the incident is an example of their uncontrolled use by police. He said police are employing the devices as a "quick" and "convenient" alternative to "getting their shirts mussed."

"I can believe he may have looked frightening, he is a large person," Ruby said of his client. "But he is a child and a police officer who would have waited for 30 seconds would have figured that out."

Lochner said Tuesday: "I told them I am George, me, George." He recounted how officers allegedly pushed and punched him and accused him of trespassing on a neighbour's property.

Toronto police spokesman Mark Pugash said police "categorically reject" Lochner's account of the incident.