Officer Who Used Taser on Pregnant Teen Fired
Officer Who Used Taser on Pregnant Teen Fired Save Email Print
Posted: 5:16 PM Nov 20, 2008
 Last Updated: 5:16 PM Nov 20, 2008
 Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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EAST BANK, W.Va. (AP) - A Kanawha County police officer has been fired after he admitted using a Taser on a pregnant teenager and a firefighter.

East Bank Mayor Chuck Blair says Sgt. Steve Smith was fired after the Town Council learned of the incidents in September. Smith had been on probation because he had not been an officer for more than a year.

Eighteen-year-old Candice White told the Council she was sitting on her porch when Smith, who is a friend of her mother, showed up and began playing around with the Taser. She says Smith used it on her leg several times.

Smith told the Council White had asked him to use the Taser on her and that the power setting was very low.

An East Bank volunteer firefighter also told the Council that Smith used the Taser on him because it was his birthday.
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Posted by: HAHAHAHA on Nov 25, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Toothfairy...thanks for the laugh. I now feel much dumber having read that. Two words for you...spelling and grammar. Work on that.
Posted by: Chris on Nov 23, 2008 at 05:18 PM
I wish I had a taser at my job! :(
Posted by: cindy on Nov 23, 2008 at 02:44 PM
after reading the e-news report of the officer abusing the use of a taser, the council was right to fire him on the spot! they are not toys and should never be used as such on anyone for any reason, smith having been a police officer should have known better, i for one feel safer now knowing he's no longer allowed to use one period !!!
Posted by: GrowUp on Nov 22, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Mom always said "little boys shouldn't play with big boy toys". I guess Mom was right once again.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 22, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Does it matter really if she asked him to do it or not? It's his fault all around. He's a police officer someone whom we're supposed to respect and trust!!! Sounds like you cant't trust this guy at all! And she's 18 too immature to think about whether it would hurt a baby and too immature to care! He needed to act like the adult here and did not! He should get fired and the mother should also take responsibility!! Letting some "friend" taser her daughter!
Posted by: Dianna on Nov 22, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Anyone can buy a taser gun. I think it's silly he got fired over this. Regardless, he shouldn't have used it even when the people ask him to, but this is just nuts.
Posted by: Sue on Nov 22, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Thi is so stupid. He is an officer of the law, and SHOULD know better thatn to do something like this!
Posted by: Jim on Nov 22, 2008 at 10:21 AM
sally, you must date a cop. Otherwise you wouldn't support them blindly like ewe do. Baaaa goes the sheep.
Posted by: Leif Garrett on Nov 22, 2008 at 07:13 AM
I hope at least they had enough sense to video this and send it to The Worlds Dummest Videos. Probably the only was any of them are going to make a living. Also, apparently the officer was a Sargent. Thats a nothing rank in a nothing department.
Posted by: mayor of hgtn on Nov 21, 2008 at 07:09 PM
sgt smith would you please come to work in huntington we could use a real go getter like you. you seem qualified, you do not need to apply just show up at roll call and we will assign you a vehicle
Posted by: xxxx on Nov 21, 2008 at 07:06 PM
does the name barney fife come to mind
Posted by: To Kayla on nov 21 on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Mabey you should learn the difference between watts and amps when dealing with voltage.
Posted by: Jack on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Say Ty, I would like to know who the moron was that promoted him to Sgt. in less than a year before he was accepted as an officer. I know officers who spend 4 or five years before being promoted.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Why would this teen let the officer tase her knowing it could hard her baby? And I read in these comments that her mother was present?? Are they both being charged with crimes as well? Child endangerment!!!
Posted by: no name on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:48 PM
there both craving attention
Posted by: Rock on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:48 PM
The issue isn't if the "victims" gave permission for him to taser them, the issue is that a police officer should know better. If someone gives you permission to punch them in the face they can still sue you for the dental bills if you damage their teeth.
Posted by: dawn on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:26 PM
i think the officer got what he deserved cause they shouldnt be able to play around with the tasers cause they do hurt.officers should be more responsible with the weapons they care then what they are. he deserved to get fired.
Posted by: Melinda on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:17 PM
AREN'T THE COPS SUPPOSE TO HAVE THE TASERS USED ON THEM TO KNOW HOW IT FEELS BEFORE THEY GET TO USE ONE. THAT'S LIKE TAKING A GUN AND SHOOTING IT AT EACH OTHER TO SEE IF IT HURTS. I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS COP. I HOPE HE DOESN'T GET A JOB AS A COP SOMEWHERE ELSE IF THIS IS HOW HE ACTS HE DOESN'T NEED TO BE A COP. SHAME ON YOU!
Posted by: sally on Nov 21, 2008 at 10:07 AM
its all gonna be "he said, she said"...and nobody is ever going to know. someone is lying and that's that. the only thing that annoys me is that im sure all of those who are bashing the officer have had a run-in with one or two in the past. that usually does taint someones view of the law, and from then on, you hate policemen. despite the fact that there are "bad cops" out there, im gonna go out on a limb and say that she was willing to play along until she realized it hurt. now look at the attention she is gonna get for getting a "pig" in trouble. stories like this annoy me. i think they are both somewhat to blame.
Posted by: taco jim on Nov 21, 2008 at 10:03 AM
he gave the firefighter a hit with the tazer for his birthday? cheap gift but it works
Posted by: go to itown on Nov 21, 2008 at 09:53 AM
The officer could go to Ironton and get a job.
Posted by: toothfairy on Nov 21, 2008 at 09:04 AM
I thunk it's funny when people think these town cop's get paid so much. Think again. There is no money. They got to put up with so much, if I was a cop. I would go work for the mines. Little test can make u 20 or so a hour. You still put your life at risk. Cause people now days just want to sue for everything and anyhing they can. Stuff I read in the paper, Is about pill heads and crack heads. If I was a cop, U wouldn't want me. I cant stand drunk drivers, drunks period. Low lifes. People now days, think they can do what ever they want. If I was the cops. I would make your way less pay from us tax payer be known. Stick it to them. Some residents in the areas u work. Does care. The low lifes dont!
Posted by: MeAgain on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Do people even know how to grow up today?
Posted by: kayla on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:40 AM
I dont think there should be tazer guns im in high school and we learn alot about elc. there are to many watts going in to somebodys body when they gey shot with one of those yah they come in handy for the officers but some officers take them as there a toy not noing they could realy kill a person with a tazer gun or a pregnant lady at that they could kill the baby as a high school mom people think im stupid but i dont know what i would do with out my little boy.... There should be no tazer guns aloud to bo used buy just an officer by him self
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:31 AM
dude, you were an officer. not a kid. grow up. lets taser you in the nuts and see if you like that. evidently the other two friends of yours did not.
Posted by: Stunned on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:01 AM
This "officer" needs to find a new line of work. I would not even give him a water pistol. I have been concerned about the type of officers we have in our systems lately but this one really takes the cake.
Posted by: carl on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:59 AM
as a child you act,walk,talk,act as a child . but as a man you put away all childesh things this officer is a public servent you don,t go around tazing kids just because they ask you to it is a setup stuped!!!!! next time think before you act!!!!
Posted by: CHRIS on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:30 AM
I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT! IF YOU WANT TO BE A POLICE OFFICER, ITS ALL ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW!! IF YOUR DUMB OR NOT DONT MATTER...ITS WHO YOU KNOW!
Posted by: TO AMAMNDA on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:25 AM
I totally agree! She could have got up and left or said no dont do it. Sounds loke to me she isnt so innocent!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:30 AM
Another EXAMPLE of no RESPECT for LIFE of an (UNBORN-CHILD)Hope the YOUNG MOTHER, HER CHILD & FIREFIGHTER who were TASERED by this IGNORANT OFFICER is alright! CRIMES take place where KIDS,TEENS & ADULTS are SEVERLEY INJURED,their LIFE SPAN-SHORTENED because of it and LIFE as they knew TAKEN from them, because of ATTEMPTED MURDER upon their LIFE by others or someone,some are murdered and DIE INSTANTLY! These are SERIOUS CRIMES! TRAUMA TO VICTIMS! IT IS UN-ACCECPTABLE, WHEN NOTHING is DONE! WORSE,THIS IS UNFAIR TO INNOCENT(YOUNG VICTIMS or ANY VICTIM) With a YOUNG TEEN IN MIND,I WANT TO SAY YOUR FAMILY and TRUE FRIENDS LOVE and MISS YOU JAMIE! PICIES of our SHATTERED HEARTS BREAK EVERY MINUTE EACH DAY for YOU!Tears at times are Heavy! WE MISS YOUR LAUGHTER, BRIGHT EYES,KINDNESS, and HONESTY! YOU WERE ALWAYS HELPING OTHERS in NEED,FIXING SOMEONES COMPUTER,Helping to ROOF A HOME,SHARING FOOD with FRIENDS! YOUR LIFE YOU GAVE To The MOST HIGHEST BEING and by STUDYING YOU KNEW HIS TRUE NAME!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 02:56 AM
This is the guy that was fired from the WV State Police, Pratt Police, Glasgow Police, Belle Police and now East Bank. You would think departments would catch on to this. Let me guess he is going to be hired in Chesapeake or Cedar Grove. Those are his only options or mall security.
Posted by: Amanda on Nov 21, 2008 at 01:49 AM
I agree that no one in this situation has all their ducks in a row. I think it is ridiculous that the all the blame is being put on this officer. Miss White's common sense is questionable, she allowed the officer to use the taser on her, and if you speak to anyone who knows her or her family its obvious. For starters her mother was present, come on what kind of parent are you?
Posted by: COWBOY on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:08 PM
SHOCKING
Posted by: joe on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:59 PM
hey "me"...read the article...the guys was playing with his DEPARTMENT ISSUED equipment...has nothing to do with threats and drug dealers! Im a cop too, i just read the article! I do agree with raising your kids better though!
Posted by: loralee on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:47 PM
i say taser him in the... well i cant say where but im sure you can figure out where...idiot!
Posted by: Me on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Its called dealing with the public people. Wake up and look at our society today. DRUG DEALERS are running rampid in our streets. I am a police officer myself and we were taught to treat everyone that we deal with as a potential threat to harm us. Now you know why each time we stop a car for anything we have our hands upon our guns ready for anything. Because you cant take to many precautions. PEOPLE, RAISE YOUR CHILDREN WITH MORALS AND MAYBE, JUST MAYBE IN ABOUT 100 YEARS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS SOCIETY. IF THIS WORLD IS HEAR THAT LONG. I MYSELF DONT THINK WE HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO TURN IT AROUND. GET READY FOR HIS RETURN PEOPLE !!!
Posted by: joe on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Folks! Everywhere you turn there is a bad apple! Im not for sure, but East Bank Police Department's officers are probably put on the road before the academy without direct supervision! Which means that they dont know anything...including LIABILITY issues, because they have never been taught! Bigger Agencies such as Charleston, Huntington, Beckley, WVSP tend to "weed out" the bad apples before they go to the academy. Then the academy does there best to "weed out" the others that the backgrounds missed. I never said that the agencies I listed were 100% perfectly free of bad apples so please don't talk about my comment! Just throwing stuff out for discussion! Thanks!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Give these moron officers a big pay raise and that will solve the problem. They cannot act professionally and humanely without more money!!!!!!
Posted by: Pig in the blanket on Nov 20, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Wow! I just got done looking at the comments posted about people passing a test to become and officer of the law in Huntington.Now I read this and I'm like????? Wow!
Posted by: captdanamerica on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Helloooo...When is America going to wake up and see that the selection process for law enforcement officers is severely flawed. I've often wondered what is looked for and/or missed in the psychological testing that these recruits are given. The majority of all that I've met or encountered or known have quite frankly had some type of mental and/or social problem. And it's not the Barney Fife's that worry me. It's the "Walking Talls'".
Posted by: Ty on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Uuhhhhh...DUHHHH!!!! This is a no brainer for me. Where did they find this moron?
Posted by: Claudette on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Dear LORD.....what's going on with all these officers, firefighters, magistrates, etc., that we are supposed to look to with respect and admiration, trust in them to have our well being in mind???? Has EVERYONE gone to the dogs??? No, I know they haven't, but it sure makes ya wonder anymore!
Posted by: Justice for All on Nov 20, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Obviously this individual wasn't mature enough to be a officer in the first place. Good thing he was weeded out before something more serious occurred.
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  • Posted By: to food for thought: i think you have solved the mystery on m.t.r.obama pay back of the unions.lets see if the so called news investigates this theory.but aren,t news media union too.wont hear any thing from them.left up to the peons and peasants to bring up truth ful news.
  • Posted By: Keith: Anon. it would seem Big Earl is sick of you too. And Food for Thought, great comment, Cecil Roberts is a joke and a sorry excuse for a labor leader he seems to as big a dunce as his buddy Obama. Look at the union under him and figure it out. So hows the hope and change working for everyone? Another half million jobs lost in June. Trace it back folks, the economy went belly up when it bacame apparent the democrat party was going to nominate a radical, ignorant, inexperienced marxist to their ticket. Economists tell us that full employment is considered at an unemployment rate of 4.7%, a year ago unemployment was at 5%. But you all know, Bush was soooo stupid. Look at how the war in Iraq turned out...ooops can't use that one, look at how great the economy is now...oops, can't use that one...well everybody hated us when Bush was in office and now everybody just loooves us and helps us out in the world, well, oops, look at N. Korea, Iran, can't use that one. Some of you really got fooled.
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  • Posted By: politically correct again: do video on left wing coal protesters,tea party ,a grudgeing few sentences.i wrote a longer anynallyse,but i dont see it,it must have been too much truth for liberal left wing so called reporting.but we do have some truth seeker else where,they,re catching on.....
  • Posted By: jesco: What a disappointment the Ashland Summer Motion was for our children. No focus on the children whatsoever...........The hospitals were the main focus along with the motorcycle show..... very little for the children to enjoy. HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!
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  • Posted By: : RE: Worm in Water If you will Google "hair worm", you will be given millions of pages of information concerning the hair worm. There used to be a myth that a horse hair put in water would turn into a worm. From experience, it doesn't work.
  • Posted By: food for thought: WSAZ I ask of you please do a a follow up story of the 6 weeks of rain that we had so some of these people who have forgotten will have some miniscule sense of thereselves to know that ALL THAT RAIN would cause flooding anywhere. Here is another story. Find UMWA president MR. Roberts and ask him why he hasn't come out and had his brothers and sisters to be involved in keeping there MTR jobs.All these people that say Massey is a Union breaking company should be worried in salvaging the jobs they do have. It's not rocket science, UMWA supports Obama, in return Obama may reward them. This may be from left field but believe I am on to something. Isn't it strange the protesters only target Massey. Most of them are led to believe there are NO union jobs in WV. HOW STRANGE!? Here is the hunch I have WV politicians don't like Don B and the Union supports Obama. So sounds like a money trail to me for the hippies. Just a thought, but makes for good reporting. Big Earl lets make the idea reality!
  • Posted By: To Fat Earl: You're losing! Ha,Ha!
  • Posted By: Diane: Buck, I agree. When it comes to kids playing sports (not just in the summer), the parents are CRAZY! They just need to "cut the cord" and allow their children, the refs, and coaches worry about the games. Now if you have a parent who is a coach just watch out...that is a double wammy!
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  • Posted By: : I for one am sick and tired of reading the same bs that big earl keeps spewing out. All you ever hear is peta, tree huggers, hippies. People who made a difference in this world and who are smart enough to care, should be honored instead of being bashed by some people who have the mentality of the monkeys who they believed they evolved from. also big earl keep on believing that your idol, who you worship and adore so much is smarter than a nasa scientist, apparently you haven't been around any smart people.
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  • Posted By: Big Earl: Well hello again good working coal people of WV this is Big Earl and I hope everyone had a nice holiday wouldn’t it be nice if we could have a holiday or one of them permenant vacations from all the tree hugger types and hippies that are barging into our communities uninvited tying to run all our jobs off. Well good people I am calling on those who have the means to do so and you know who you are so lets pony up some cash and have our own protest here in the coal fields to support our coal miners. I seen on this very TV station where the tree huggers held a rally and a cookout with a bunch of Grateful Dead hippie wanttobees singing about the trees and polar bears but we can do one better. We can have it down at the coal festival in Madison people I say invite some real singers who aint got above there raisin like WV adopted son Mr. Charlie Daniels and how about Alabama since they have coal down there to. Invite Gov. Joe and them people from Washington DC that is a good way to find out who is pretending to be a friend of coal and who is really on our side. We could even make Mother Jones bobblehead dolls to give away I for one would like to see her set loose on these tree huggers that have invaded Cabin Creek trying to run off her beloved coal miners. You could pull a string and she would say #** !!##**!! Tree huggers.
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