U.S.

​State police probe death of Conn. man struck with Taser

/ CBS/AP

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut state police are investigating the death of a 26-year-old man who died after a Hartford police officer used a Taser to subdue him when he allegedly became combative during a medical assistance call.

CBS affiliate WFSB reports that police sent a mobile crisis team and EMS personnel to a home on Kelsey Street at about 8:30 p.m. Friday for a reported medical-psychological disturbance involving a 400-pound person.

According to police, Matthew Russo became violent with the emergency responders and was struck with the electric stun gun, then given a sedative.

Police said Russo began to have difficulty breathing and was given immediate medical aid. He was taken to Hartford Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

State police took over the investigation early Saturday. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause and manner of Russo's death.

First published on August 8, 2015 / 5:18 PM EDT

© 2015 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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