Police Defend Taser Use on 2 People at Party

A Prince William County police officer's use of a Taser to subdue two people who were resisting arrest at a party last month in the Manassas area was appropriate and lawful, Chief Charlie T. Deane said Thursday, describing the results of an internal investigation.

One officer used the Taser's "touch stun" mode to gain control of Edgar Rodriguez, 54, and Leticia Elias, 25, police said. That means the officer touched the device to both people while in close contact with them, Deane said. Police said the Taser, which records data about its use, was turned on twice, for about three seconds each time, and did not cause any injuries. The officer did not shoot the probes often associated with a Taser gun, police said.

Police went to Rodriguez's home on Lafayette Avenue shortly before 8 p.m. July 26 after receiving reports of loud music, heavily intoxicated partygoers and fireworks being set off in the residential neighborhood. Police said that Rodriguez "acted disorderly, cursed at the officers and refused to turn down the music" and that he later resisted arrest. He is charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest.

Elias was hit with the Taser as she and a large group of relatives allegedly tried to interfere with the arrest, and she was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest.

Relatives told local media outlets in recent days that a language barrier caused confusion because some of the people at the party -- a baptism celebration -- did not speak English. Deane said one of the first responding officers to the party is bilingual and was able to explain county noise ordinances in both English and Spanish before the situation escalated. He also said police have debunked rumors that Elias was pregnant, as relatives claimed.

"The actions by these officers were in accordance with policy, lawful and appropriate under the circumstances," Deane said. Dean said he has not received an official complaint from the family.

Rodriguez's son told Fox 5 News last week that police used excessive force to break up what was a backyard party filled with young children.