[Mad Russian]

Enjoy!

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/31/4227378/ranger-uses-stun-gun-on-man-walking.html

Ranger uses stun gun on man walking dogs off-leash

The Associated Press Published: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 - 5:16 am

MONTARA, Calif. -- A park ranger used a stun gun on a Northern California man who was stopped for walking his two small dogs without a leash.

The San Francisco Chronicle ( http://bit.ly/yrsKc7) says Gary Hesterberg didn't have identification and he gave a phony name when he was stopped Sunday afternoon.

Hesterberg was walking two dogs off leash at Rancho Corral de Tierra near Montara, a coastal town south of San Francisco.

Park Service spokesman Howard Levitt says the ranger, whose name is being withheld, used her stun gun on Hesterberg because he was leaving the scene despite orders to stay.

San Mateo County sheriff's deputies arrested Hesterberg and he was booked for investigation of failing to obey a lawful order.

 

[DefMan]

Doggone those people!

 

[Doc T]

I bet he wishes he just took the ticket instead. Giving fake name, leaving scene...Tazing him? It will be chalked up as "procedure". Maybe worth a Civil Suit with a very good chance of not winning.

(Note: my prediction is not based on what I consider "correct" or "right", it is just my opinion on how it will be handled in today's twisted briar patch of law.)

 

[FULL METAL JACKET]

If all he did was leave, theres absolutely no justification for weapon use! She should be fired .....FAIL

 

[Aquabach]

As long as she didn't taz the dogs

 

[Dodgy]

Sue them.

 

[J22LR1der]

At least it was just her tazer and he didn't get Shot.

 

[Mad Russian]

This just illustrates how far a notion of crime has gotten. To be stun gunned for this is beyond the pale! Write him a ticket and let it go.
The park ranger should not only be fired, but also brought up on assault charges. I don't always support civil lawsuits for damages, but this one should be a doozy, and California will be a little more broke when its over.

 

[muskoday]

Obey the law while walking your dogs and you will have no problems.
If the officer broke any laws detaining this man she should be charged also.
I think there is more to this story that the media might have left out.

 

[muskoday]

I found a little more on the story.

A Montara man walking two lapdogs off leash was hit with an electric-shock gun by a National Park Service ranger after allegedly giving a false name and trying to walk away, authorities said Monday.

The park ranger encountered Gary Hesterberg with his two small dogs Sunday afternoon at Rancho Corral de Tierra, which was recently incorporated into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, said Howard Levitt, a spokesman for the park service.

Hesterberg, who said he didn't have identification with him, allegedly gave the ranger a false name, Levitt said.

The ranger, who wasn't identified, asked Hesterberg to remain at the scene, Levitt said. He tried several times to leave, and finally the ranger "pursued him a little bit and she did deploy her" electric-shock weapon, Levitt said. "That did stop him."

San Mateo County sheriff's deputies and paramedics then arrived and Hesterberg gave his real name, the park spokesman said.

Hesterberg, whose age was not available, was arrested on suspicion of failing to obey a lawful order, having dogs off-leash and knowingly providing false information, Levitt said.

He was then released. He did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Witnesses said the use of a stun gun and the arrest seemed excessive for someone walking two small dogs off leash.

"It was really scary," said Michelle Babcock, who said she had seen the incident as she and her husband were walking their two border collies. "I just felt so bad for him."

Babcock said Hesterberg had repeatedly asked the ranger why he was being detained. She didn't answer him, Babcock said.

"He just tried to walk away. She never gave him a reason," Babcock said.

The ranger shot Hesterberg in the back with her shock weapon as he walked off, Babcock said.

"We were like in disbelief," she said. "It didn't make any sense."

Rancho Corral de Tierra has long been an off-leash walking spot for local dog owners. In December, the area became part of the national park system, which requires that all dogs be on a leash, Levitt said.

The ranger was trying to educate residents of the rule, Levitt said.

The park service is investigating the incident, he said.

E-mail Jill Tucker at [email protected]

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/30/MN921N0LQT.DTL#ixzz1l32X4Kj1

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/30/MN921N0LQT.DTL#ixgzz1l19egaKeJ

 

[NYPD13]

I could see this being excessive with exception. I am perturbed by the need to provide a false name to law enforcement prior to walking away when he had done wrong, even though it was trivial. Another person whom lacks responsibility and respect living in a society that has become content with blaming others. This was not a case for less than lethal force, but some action had to be taken towards the ill-mannered and flippant resident.

 

[Mad Russian]

I could see this being excessive with exception. I am perturbed by the need to provide a false name to law enforcement prior to walking away when he had done wrong, even though it was trivial. Another person whom lacks responsibility and respect living in a society that has become content with blaming others. This was not a case for less than lethal force, but some action had to be taken towards the ill-mannered and flippant resident.

"Ill mannered and flippant resident"!!! Are you serious? Is this what we have come to? Being "ill mannered and flippant" is criminal? Whatever happened to civil servants being civil to the people who employ them?
What should have been a friendly warning, and possibly a token fine, has turned into a criminal matter where someone will charged with a crime that will possibly change their life forever.
This is just another example of how little civility is left in America.

 

[MRobs23]

Casually walking away gets you tased now?  Why am I not surprised? Oh, and the ranger should be fired and charged.

 

[wreckhog]

Don't tase me bro

 

[lynyrd]

Was he "asked" or "ordered" to remain at the scene? Was he legally "detained"? Should the ranger not have explained why he was being detained? At what point can you not walk away?

The ranger, who wasn't identified, asked Hesterberg to remain at the scene, Levitt said. He tried several times to leave, and finally the ranger "pursued him a little bit and she did deploy her" electric-shock weapon, Levitt said. "That did stop him."

Babcock said Hesterberg had repeatedly asked the ranger why he was being detained. She didn't answer him, Babcock said.

"He just tried to walk away. She never gave him a reason," Babcock said.

The ranger shot Hesterberg in the back with her shock weapon as he walked off, Babcock said.

 

[FULL METAL JACKET]

"Ill mannered and flippant resident"!!! Are you serious? Is this what we have come to? Being "ill mannered and flippant" is criminal? Whatever happened to civil servants being civil to the people who employ them?
What should have been a friendly warning, and possibly a token fine, has turned into a criminal matter where someone will charged with a crime that will possibly change their life forever.
This is just another example of how little civility is left in America.

Well said!

 

[Doc T]

While i disagree with the outcome, we must keep in mind several things.

When dealing with Law Enforcement, we must at least maintain a civil demeanor ourselves. This Ranger, this woman, was a Law Enforcement Official. (Gun, Badge, Radio are clues). How many of us would walk away from a Police Officer or State Trooper? Or give a false name to one? As I said, whether or not I agree, this will fall under "correct and justified policy" by the people who matter. He walked into it, maybe he did not know exactly what he was walking into (or away from) , but he had an idea. Would you give a false name, then try to leave to get out of a "no seat belt" ticket?

There is a difference between "A pedestrian has the Right of Way" and running in front of a car hoping it will stop.

As stated, I do not agree with the use of force implemented in this incident, but the man in question was at least partially responsible for his own treatment. To deny he shared a measure of personal responsibility for precipitating the uncalled for act is difficult, at best. Two wrongs do not a right make. (Although three rights do make a left.)

 

[warmnfuzzyar]

......... after 911 this " law enforcement " stuff has gotten a little out of hand.

Seems to me like too much power is placed in the LEO's hands nowadays.

Just my opinion , I am sure LEO's would disagree .

 

[NYPD13]

It's difficult to fine someone for violating and ordinance when they commit a crime by provide a false name. I'm certain good manners did not exist on Mr. Hesterbergs' part from the onset, civility goes both ways. It's tough to give notice and warn someone when they disregard you and walk away. But again today it's excepted to blame others and bear no responsibility for ones own actions.
Should this mans dogs had bit a child it would have been the kids fault for being in their personal space and the taxpayer held responsible for damages because there wasn't enough signage in the appropriate language to tell this man it's wrong to let you dogs roam free in public.
Civility and responsibility go hand in hand.

 

[boke]

Some california lib gets tazed for not following the rules sounds good to me