Man shocked with Taser dies of excited delirium
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009
STATESVILLE, N.C. (AP) – An autopsy has concluded that a North Carolina man who was shocked with a Taser died of excited delirium.
The Statesville Record & Landmark reported Monday the autopsy report also revealed that 29-year-old Anthony Davidson had traces of cocaine in urine samples taken shortly before his death.
Dr. Deborah Radisch of the state medical examiner’s office said excited delirium “causes the sudden cardiorespiratory collapse and arrest following an agitated state” that requires the use of restraints. She said the condition is generally seen when cocaine or another stimulant is used.
Davidson died in July after being arrested for shoplifting at a grocery store in Statesville. Authorities have said officers used Tasers after Davidson became uncooperative in jail and tried to run.