| An 18-year-old Roane County youth was accidentally struck by a police-fired taser prong during the Calhoun Wood Festival last Saturday night.
Two Grantsville police officers, accompanied by a WV State policeman, were attempting to break-up a fight on the festival grounds, with the men resisting attempts by the officers to intervene.
Grantsville Mayor Gary Knight said "One fighter remained resistant and combative (toward an officer)... the officer determined that taser usage was appropriate and in the best interest of defusing a bad situation ... in the presence of a growing crowd."
That officer, who has not been identified, gave ample warning and fired a two pronged taser charge at the assailant, according to Mayor Knight.
"Unfortunately, one prong went awry and struck a bystander barely piercing the skin on his upper leg. As contact with both prongs is required before a charge is delivered, there was absolutely no shock as a result of the mishap," said Mayor Knight.
Knight said the officer who utilized the taser was a certified officer who had been contracted by the town to help with various police duties that one day.
"The Grantsville Police Department has an active internal investigation regarding the incident," according to Police Chief Jeff Starcher.
Knight, following a public information request from the Herald, said, "He [individual tasered] did not express any anger or criticism toward the officer who had discharged the prong."
"The mother stated that there is no animosity toward that officer on their part ... that no retribution, termination or other punitive action of any kind be taken," said Mayor Knight, "The Grantsville Police Department's sole mission and purpose is to serve and protect and not to endanger or harm."
COUNCIL MEMBERS EXPRESS FRUSTRATION
Several council members expressed frustration that they are not adequately informed regarding such incidents, saying there is a "communication gap" with the mayor.
The town's election is set for Tuesday, with a large number of candidates seeking the mayoral position and five council slots.
Councilwoman Dorothy McCauley said, "I wish the council knew more about what is going on. We don't have that privilege."
McCauley requested to see the town's charter, which has not been produced in recent years.
Council members say Mayor Knight quotes the charter as saying the town has a strong mayor, weak council form of government.
McCauley says the mayor says he saw the charter during one of his earlier terms, but it is nowhere to be found.
Councilwoman Loretta Stevens said, "The mayor has called me stupid when I ask questions," indicating he often hires people with the council finding out about it later.
"We just think we should know about incidents and decisions he makes, but that is often not the case," Stevens said.
"Futhermore, to continue year after year without a charter that is suppose to exist continues to be a real issue," she concluded,
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