Man Saved by Taser

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Story Published: Jan 17, 2008 at 5:36 PM MST

Story Updated: Jan 17, 2008 at 5:36 PM MST

By Hasti Taghi

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It is a weapon that some have mixed feelings about but for one Chubbuck man yesterday, it proved to be a life saver...
Chubbuck police responded to a call last night involving a young man threatening to hurt himself. When officers arrived at the scene they found the man holding a knife to his throat. That's when they used a taser to stabilize the situation and prevent the young man from injuring himself.
Chubbuck police have been equipped with the stun gun since 2005 and in instances like yesterday it has proven to be useful.
The stun gun delivers a high voltage electric shock and immobilizes a victim for a short period of time. Police say it's a good alternative to being shot.
The Pocatello Police department has asked for funding to buy tasers for their officers as well and although they were asked for more research, the Pocatello Mayor says he is aware of the need for tasers.
The mayor says the funding for Pocatello PD tasers will likely be in the 2009 budget.
"we don't want to tase but in instances like yesterday, it is better to tase than to shoot."
The cost for outfitting the Pocatello Police department with tasers is estimated at 60-100 thousand dollars.

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