Man Dies After Taser Use by Police, Investigation Launched

A 36-year-old resident of Nahariya died in Haifa overnight after police officers used a taser on him during a public disturbance incident. The man was evacuated to Rambam Hospital while resuscitation efforts were underway, where his death was pronounced. The Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

The event began with a report to the 106 hotline about an individual "raging and causing a disturbance" near a pizzeria on Chanita Street. Municipal police officers called for backup, and responding officers initially attempted to speak with the man. Subsequently, a taser was deployed against him.

Medical sources told Channel 12 that the man was handcuffed and conscious when medical teams arrived, with no external injuries. They stated that "several electric shocks were administered," and only after several minutes did his condition deteriorate. "After five minutes, the patient slowly collapsed," a medical source said.

The cause of death is currently unknown, and there is no medical determination linking the taser use to the collapse. Taser use has previously drawn criticism from the State Comptroller. In a 2014 report, retired Justice Yosef Shapira pointed to deficiencies in the work of the police and the Ministry of Public Security regarding the use of the device. Out of 105 complaints filed with Mahash concerning taser use, criminal or disciplinary proceedings were initiated against officers in only 10% of cases.

The police have previously argued that the taser is a non-lethal weapon designed to reduce risks to officers, suspects, and bystanders, and that its deployment adheres to procedures and professional assessment.