Taser Death: Troy Hooftallen (Punxsutawney, PA)

The facts on this case are murky. Family members indicate that Troy Hooftallen, 26, of Punxsutawney, PA died on Tuesday, October 19 after being electrocuted multiple times by the taser of an unidentified police officer. I came across this comment to a posting on Solomon's Words For The Wise blog:

"He was Tazed by Police twice and had Head Trama from being knocked to the floor and was Choked By police at the Same time. All this was done after Police were called to the scene For a Man who Overdosed on some kind of drugs. I know this from family members whom i have spoke with Personally. His Uncle who showed up to the scene even tried to pull the police off of him when he was being choked by the officer after being Tazed Not once but Twice. He was unable to move after being tazed so why did they tackle and choke him. This young man was in need of medical help not this kind of treatment from the police. Nice work guys."

Criminal investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police are currently investigating the death of Mr. Hooftallen. All we know for certain at this point is that he was transported to Punxsutawney Hospital and then to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause and manner of death.

Troy previously worked as the assistant manager at Price Chopper in Scranton. He was an avid Denver Broncos fan, enjoyed playing basketball, softball, lifting weights and being outdoors.

Please let this blog know if you hear any new information on this taser-related death.