Lavaughn Coleman : Prosecutor: Officer Not Charged for Tasing Crofton Man

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Tasing incident in Gambrills
2. Prosecutor’s decision on Crofton man’s tasing incident

In Gambrills, MD, a police officer will not face criminal charges after tasing a man evading authorities. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown’s Independent Investigations Division concluded that Cpl. A. Stallings did not violate state law by tasing 21-year-old Lavaughn Coleman. The incident occurred when officers responded to a report of two men in a vehicle with guns and drugs. Coleman initially complied but ran when officers attempted to handcuff him, leading to the tasing. Unfortunately, Coleman later died in a trauma center. The attorney general stated that body cameras captured the encounter, and the investigation was taken over due to updates on Coleman’s condition.

Police Officer Cleared of Charges After Tasing Incident in Gambrills, Maryland

Last fall, a controversial incident took place in Gambrills, Maryland, involving a police officer and a young man evading authorities. The Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown’s Independent Investigations Division recently concluded its analysis of the incident, determining that the officer in question, Cpl. A. Stallings, will not face criminal charges for his actions.

The incident occurred on October 29, 2023, when the Anne Arundel County Police Department responded to a call reporting two men in a vehicle with guns and drugs in the 900 block of Waugh Chapel Way. Upon arrival, officers ordered the men out of the vehicle for investigation.

One of the men complied with the officers’ instructions and was placed in handcuffs without incident. However, the other man, identified as 21-year-old Lavaughn Coleman of Crofton, initially cooperated but then attempted to flee when the officer tried to handcuff him. In the ensuing struggle, Coleman struck the officer, knocking off his body camera and causing him to fall to the ground.

Officer Stallings pursued Coleman and ultimately tased him, causing Coleman to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement. Despite receiving immediate medical attention from the officers on the scene, Coleman was later transferred to a trauma center, where he tragically passed away on December 14, 2023.

Investigation and Conclusion

The Independent Investigations Division took over the case on December 7, 2023, due to the severity of Coleman’s injuries. After a thorough investigation, the Attorney General’s office determined that Officer Stallings’ use of force did not constitute a crime under state law, and therefore, no charges would be filed against him.

It was revealed that body cameras captured the entire encounter, providing crucial evidence for the investigation. The Attorney General’s office also released a detailed report of their findings, which can be accessed here.

Community Response

The incident has sparked debate and controversy within the community, with some calling for greater accountability and transparency in police practices. The tragic outcome of the confrontation has raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement officers and the need for improved training and protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, it serves as a sobering reminder of the complex relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Moving forward, it is essential for all parties involved to work towards greater understanding, communication, and mutual respect to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.