Pedestrian sues Harris Co. after authorities allegedly Taser him

HOUSTON - A federal lawsuit blames Harris County for an incident in September 2012 in which its law enforcement representatives allegedly used a Taser on an unarmed pedestrian, according to recent court documents.

In the lawsuit filed Dec. 23 in Houston federal court, plaintiff Jared Allen White shows the defendant's officers "at no time (were) ever in danger" when they approached him in the 24700 block of Tomball Parkway in the northwest part of the county on Sept. 29, 2012. 

Prior to the subject event, White was reportedly walking in the middle of the feeder road, evoking concern from authorities.

The original petition asserts the officers believed that the claimant "was under the influence of drugs" and said concern "quickly morphed into aggression."

"When White demonstrated behavior that was perceived by the officers to be aggressive, non-responsive and non-compliant, rather than check his medical condition or deal with him in a less aggressive manner, the officers instead proceeded to hogtie and shock White multiple times with their Tasers," the suit says.

The county purportedly supplied the Tasers.

White adds he was mocked during the ordeal.

"The officers found the Tasering of White so hilarious that they videoed White with his arms handcuffed behind his back and while he was standing resulting in White falling face down on the pavement," the suit says.

"The officers videoed themselves laughing at White as he fell face down on the pavement."
White says he suffered serious injuries.

A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Ray Schindler of the Law Offices of Ray Schindler in Conroe is representing the complainant.

Case No. 4:13-CV-3737