The Detroit News | December 19, 2006
By Delores Patterson

FARMINGTON HILLS -- The attorney for a Detroit police sergeant who was Tasered three times by Farmington Hills police says his client did not try to flee police after a traffic violation.

Sgt. David Marshall is charged with running a red light at 10 Mile and Inkster about 1:05 a.m. Dec. 13 after getting off work from the Detroit Police Department. The 12-year veteran, who was in uniform at the time of the incident, is also charged with interfering with police authority.

Attorney Arnold Reed also said Marshall was unnecessarily stripped down to his underclothes at the police station after surrendering his police radio and ammunition.

"There is no reason my client had to go through what he did," Reed said.

Reed added the police officers didn't activate their overhead lights until Marshall pulled into his Farmington Hills driveway. While still seated in his car getting mail from his mailbox, Marshall was asked to get out of his car and remove his weapon from its holster.

Marshall requested that a superior officer be brought to the scene and his car was searched, Reed said. Officers used the Taser the first time on Marshall when he reached for his radio. He later placed his hand on his gun and the officer stunned him again. Reed said Marshall had put his hand on the weapon to secure it.

A court date has been set for 2 p.m. Jan. 8 in 47th District Court.

Farmington Hills Police Chief William Dwyer said the incident has been investigated and the use of a Taser was justified.

"I believe both officers could have been more professional towards each other; then the situation would not have escalated," Dwyer said. "But it did and it's unfortunate."