December 12, 2009

Taser Death: Hatchel Pate Adams III (Hampton VA)


Hatchel Pate Adams III, 36, was in his own home when he was killed by two jolts from police taser guns. Hampton police officers went to his home at 11:00 pm to serve an emergency custody order. Someone wanted Adams to be taken for a mental evaluation to determine whether he was a threat to himself or others. Adams didn't open the door for the police. The police called a family member who came with a key to the house. [SOURCE]

Once inside, Adams swung a samurai-style sword at the officers, who subsequently Tasered him. Adams pulled the Taser probes out and continued to swing the sword at the officers. He was Tasered a second time and stopped breathing.

Officers immediately started CPR and called medics, who took Adams to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:15 am on Friday.

The four officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave per Hampton Police Division policy while an internal investigation is conducted.

Gunfighter provided a comprehensive look at the use of force continuum. It is hard to believe that four Hampton police officers couldn't have used something less than a taser gun to put this young man in custody.

What say u?

7 comments:

Gunfighter said...

That the cops tried to TASE him not once, but twice, tells us that they did more than due diligence trying to subdue their assailant.

The reality is that a man with a sword, swinging it at the officers, mentally ill or not, could have been, and probably should have been shot, immediately.

Unknown said...

Gunfighter - Is it common for police to serve warrants at 11pm in the evening to personal residences?

Gunfighter said...

Sure... especially for something like having to intervene when a person may be a threat to others.

Unknown said...

Trey was a good friend. We graduated Morehouse together. There is much more to this story than what is being told.

Unknown said...

Gunfighter - Thank you for the explanation of the 11pm visit by police to serve the warrant.

Braxx - My prayers to Mr. Adams and his family. Please share any background about this story as you become aware of it. It is likely we won't get the full story from the media. btw, do you have a digital photo of the brother you call Trey?

Unknown said...

TREY WAS MY ROOMMATE....ALL THROUGH SCHOOL...WAS SURPRISED BY THE POLICE BREAKING INTO HIS HOME AFTER THE HOSPITAL STAFF FAILED AT WHAT THEY WERE TRAINED TO DO..HE LOCKED HIMSELF IN HIS ROOM TO PROTECT HIMSELF BC HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS TAKING PLACE IN HIS OWN HOME...THE SWORD STORY WAS USED TO COVER UP THE EXCESSIVE FORCE USED BY THE COPS...PLEASE...REFRAIN FROM BEING A MEDIA MIDGET

Unknown said...

Zilla - First, please know that this blog is very sorry for your loss.

That said, I agree with you that the police over-reacted in this situation. Mr. Adams need HELP not an extra-judicial electrocution.