The Public Security Police had to subdue a mentally disturbed woman wielding a knife in Caniço yesterday (29/06) by taser.
According to a police statement, the armed woman was visibly disturbed and suffering from hallucinations. She repeatedly refused to obey police orders to drop the weapon, and unable to subdue her using ‘pepper gas’ the police had to resort to stunning the woman, as she was becoming a serious threat to herself, her family and the police.
Dealing with the situation quickly and effectively, the police were able to disarm the woman, where she was safely transported to the Dr Nélio Mendonça Hospital where she has undergone psychiatric treatment.
Police officers have only recently been given intensive training in the use of tasers, which deliver a powerful and controlled electric discharge causing instant and temporary incapacitation of a suspect. When used in this type of situation, the suspects arrest becomes easier, causing as little harm as possible to either the police or the offender, who can then be quickly handcuffed and controlled.
