# The tasing of the naked wizard

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tasing-of-the-naked-wizard/494264>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [April 24, 2009, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tasing-of-the-naked-wizard/494264 "2009-04-24T20:28:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 128

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**Author:** ![Red\_Barchetta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\
**Post date:** [April 26, 2009, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tasing-of-the-naked-wizard/494264/128 "2009-04-26T19:39:37Z")

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There’s another point I was reminded of by a poster in this thread: [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=11078017#post11078017](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=11078017#post11078017)

> [@I saw a dead man today.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-saw-a-dead-man-today/494385/6):
>
> Wow. I can’t wait to hear the results of the investigation.
> 
> My first impression is that the officer **used his sidearm when he meant to use his Taser**. It’s happened a few times over the years. That’s why I carry mine opposite of my pistol, so I can’t draw it with my strong hand accidentally.

Obviously, we don’t know whether that’s the case or not yet; however, this wouldn’t be the first time that has been demonstrated (or used as an excuse–it’s admittedly hard to tell). Those from the Bay Area surely remember the uproar just a few months ago over an officer who shot someone on Bart, who used the “I thought it was a taser” defense.

I don’t know how often this has occurred, Thalion seems to believe it’s happened a few times. All I know is that it’s good deal more difficult to mistake a club or pepper spray with a gun than it is a taser.

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