New York Woman Awarded $75,000 Settlement in Taser Case

On Tuesday, The Post-Standard reported that Onondaga County legislators unanimously approved a $75,000 settlement for a woman who was unjustifiably tasered by a police officer in front of her children last January. According to the article, 38-year-old Audra Harmon was driving with her two children when she was pulled over by a police officer for driving 50mph in a 45mph zone. The police officer, Sean Andrews, drew his Taser when Ms. Harmon got out of her minivan and then did not immediately get back in at the officer’s request. Subsequently, when Ms. Harmon got back into her minivan, Officer Andrews dragged her back out of the minivan and shocked her with the Taser. A video of the incident was taken from the patrol car and can be viewed here. Ms. Harmon’s children witnessed the entire frightening event.

In response to the incident, Officer Andrews was suspended for 30 days without pay, and additional administrative charges are pending. Ms. Harmon appeared on NBC’s “Today” show to talk about what happened to her, and the incident was also featured in a segment about stun guns on Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.” Finally, this week, the county approved a $75,000 payment to settle a lawsuit filed by Ms. Harmon.