February 9, 2010

Prosecutor asks Highway Patrol to review stun gun use on injured teen

by Sara Sheffield, KY3 News

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By Gene Hartley

Story Published: Aug 6, 2008 at 5:55 PM CST

Story Updated: Aug 7, 2008 at 5:08 PM CST

OZARK, Mo. -- Christian County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Cleek says he has asked the Missouri State Highway Patrol to conduct an independent investigation into the actions that Ozark police took against 16-year-old boy last month.

On July 19, police found Mace Hutchinson lying under the Highway F overpass at U.S. 65. Officers say they ordered him to turn over. When he didn't comply, they used electric stun guns on him up to 19 times because, they say, he became combative with them.

Hutchinson and his family say he couldn't have done what officers asked because he had a broken back and heel from falling off the bridge.

The Ozark police chief began an internal review of the case but won’t say what the review concluded. Cleek said Wednesday that he wants the Highway Patrol to conduct its own review. He requested the independent investigation because, in part, he works closely with Ozark police.

Cleek also says he is prepared to file felony assault charges if the investigation finds an officer used unwarranted force against Mace.

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