Rep. wants dog walker stun gun case investigated

MONTARA, Calif. - A California congresswoman wants an independent investigator to determine whether a federal park ranger used excessive force when she fired a stun gun on a man walking his dogs.

Gary Hesterberg, 50, was stunned with a Taser electric-shock device when he was walking two small dogs off-leash in violation of rules at the Golden Gate National Recreational Area, park officials have said.

In a letter Wednesday to the park Superintendent Frank Dean, Rep. Jackie Speier said the ranger's use of the stun gun appears to be unwarranted. "Many of my constituents are understandably angered by what appears to be an excessive use of force by a park ranger," the Hillsborough Democrat wrote.

Park ranger tases man walking dogs off-leash

Speier said she wants more information about what happened, what training park rangers receive for stun-gun use and whether there are enough notices about leash rules.

The National Park Service planned to answer to Speier's questions by week's end, said park spokesman Howard Levitt, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The incident occurred near Montara in a newly incorporated part of the national recreational area in San Mateo County. Hesterberg gave the ranger a false name, challenged her authority and refused repeated orders to remain at the scene, Levitt said.

Hesterberg told the ranger not to stun him because he had a heart condition before he turned to walk away, according to witness and official accounts. The ranger then shot him in the back with the Taser.

Paramedics checked out Hesterberg at the scene before he was arrested on suspicion of failing to obey a lawful order, having dogs off-leash and knowingly providing false information, Levitt said. He was later released.

The park service is conducting its own inquiry, officials said. The ranger who fired the stun gun remains on the job, Levitt said.

[americalove1]

Gollyroger, you're posts are very rude & insulting. No need for that. does it make you feel like a big person to belittle someone else? Good thing you're not out there with a taser!

There is no excuse for what that ranger did! Tasers can kill and enough research has been done that shows the dangers of indiscriminate use.

I work in the criminal justice field and have never been disrespectful to an officer in my life. And I'm not young.

I also don't consider a park ranger the same as a cop either. I bet most people don't. What is their training?

I mean, REALLY, breaking the law? Tasing someone for just walking dogs without a leash - in an area traditionally used for just that???!!! Give me a break!

I don't care if he was a smart aleck. Unless he was threatening her, he didn't deserve it. He was walking away for God's sake!

The most the guy should have got was a warning or a ticket - especially if he told her he had a heart condition. Had he died, his family would have every right to sue, IMO.

Personally, I think she was just on a huge power trip and should be fired. And if I have to guess, he probably saw her as doing that too.

[uisignorant]

You people scare me. God help us.

[rudy1181]

all over a dog that was not on a leash both was wrong he did't take her seriously next time he probaly will but i think she was in a s.s. uniform

[mecanik-2009]

Maybe the fleeing felon law would work, or the hot pursuit law. Jus kidding. Maybe both were at fault here but it could all have been solved if he had just put his dogs on a leash like the law says.

[JRC_903]

The guy can thank technology for saving his life. If that ranger had not had this non-legal weapon to employ upon him, she would have had no choice but to KILL him like a dog---for not leashing his---you guessed it.

[thehomelessguy]

Tazers should not be used for convenience sake. They should only be used as a last resort before shooting a person. There were other ways the officer could have stopped the man.

[sirmarion-2009]

A whack to the head with a billy club,or an arrow in the back? I like the taser idea it gets your attention right now,no more arguing or fleeing the scene. After all he was warned several times and was lying to the offical park ranger who was just enforcing the law.

[bobnjersey]

[The ranger then shot him in the back with the Taser.]
---------------------------------
give her a freedom medal ... and promote her to an executive position in the 'authoritarians of america' fraternity.

torture and abuse is their motto ... complete submission and compliance is their expectation.

anyone who thinks this woman's actions were appropriate suffers from a serious personality defect ... get some help.

[sirmarion-2009]

He lied,Broke the law,and Fled after being warned several times.He could have been a serial rapist,next time he will comply.

[PCDhouston]

he broke the law; he resisted a lawful order given by law enforcement; what a shame it didn't kill him!

[justsane-2009]

seriously, you think that breaking a leash law should be punishable by death? what do you think should happen to tax cheaters?

[hadrake]

She quesioned him because of the dog but she tased him because he refused to stop. Cop tells you to stop and you dont you will probably get tased.

[flexsf]

Attention Republicans, state employees are not hotel employees. If you don't like the way a state employee treats you, too bad. If you break the law, a park ranger has a license to stun you. The congress person is an imbecile.

[venusvegasvada]

You know, even our military has rules of engagement. They are restricted from using excessive force. Or, to put it another way, they can only use force that is required to match the threat.

There was no threat here by a man walking two small dogs. Certainly no danger to the Ranger. Certainly not worth taking the chance of possibly killing him by using a Taser on him.

Also, this story had generated posts by others who live in the area. They mention that before the Park service took over at the parks, walking dogs off leash was a normal policy for many decades. It was mentioned that when these parks were turned over to the Park Service, that continued policy was supposed to remain, but was changed, contrary to what was promised. Perhaps this man had been walking his dogs in that park since before the Park ranger was born?

I'm not saying people should disrespect authority, but it works both ways. Authority needs to respect people too in order for everyone to get along. I mean c'mon. TASING someone because they are walking their dogs? You have to admit that's extreme and warrants an investigation.

[sirmarion-2009]

flexsf,.. she(congress person) is a Democrat,so your koolaid is sour again. Wish you liberal bedwetters could get your facts straight.