Arkansas cop uses taser on 10 years old girl

It was an encounter one Ozark 10-year-old will likely never forget.

Called to a home to help control an allegedly "unruly child," an Ozark police officer was reportedly told by the girl's mother that he could use the electric weapon to subdue her,according to 40/29 News Arkansas.

However, the girl supposedly kicked the officer in the groin when he approached. "He had no other choice [but to Taser her]," Ozark Police Choief Jim Noggle reportedly said. "He had to get the child under control."

According to the Associated Press, the officer's name is Dustin Bradshaw. His aggressive approach to dealing with a child has the girl's father enraged.

"If you can't pick the kid up and take her to your car, handcuff her, then I don't think you need to be an officer," Anthony Medlock, the girl's father reportedly said.

Ozark police argued that had the officer grabbed the girl, he could have hurt her. "If you grab somebody, you can slip an arm out of joint," the police chief added. "They can slip from you and fall on the ground."

The department's policy is to use a Taser on anyone who is thought to be a threat to others, regardless of age or mental stature, according to 40/29 News. Other area departments have greater restrictions on Taser use.

Medlock also reportedly said the incident is not the first in which the girl's mother has called the police on her daughter. He plans to seek custody of the girl due to the latest police encounter.

The girl has not been named because she is a minor.

Source: http://rawstory.com/2009/11/arkansas-cop-taser-10yearold-girl/