Iowa City Police Use Taser, Chemical Spray to Subdue Young Pittsburgh Man

A Pittsburgh man is facing criminal charges after he resisted arrest, prompting officers to use force to subdue him, according to an criminal complaint.

According to police, an officer saw Gary Lynn Parker Jr., 21, of Pittsburgh, at 1:26 a.m. Monday morning, stumbling in the area of Linn and Washington Streets, almost walking into traffic at one point.

Parker was approached by an officer, who allegedly reacted by cocking his arm as if preparing to punch the officer, according to police. He then turned to run until he was stopped by officers, according to the complaint.

At this point, Parker began to resist, grabbing an officer's radio cord as well as scratching and physically fighting with officers. Police then used a Taser, but Parker continued to resist, refusing to be put into handcuffs, according to the complaint. An officer then used a chemical spray on him, and it still took several officers to get him into handcuffs.

An after arrest blood test revealed that he had no alcohol in his system, according to the complaint. He did say that he had smoked K2 (synthetic marijuana) that evening, according to police.

He was charged with interference with official acts causing bodily injury, an aggravated misdemeanor, and assault on peace officers, a serious misdemeanor. Parker remains in jail as of Monday afternoon.

K2 has been shown to affect people in negative ways, such as causing hallucinations or psychotic episodes, according to a report in the Missourian:

The psychoactive drug can cause users to experience rapidly increased heart rates, loss of consciousness, paranoia and, occasionally, psychotic episodes. One hospitalized user claimed he could see his heart beating out of his chest. Individuals have different reactions to the drug, though users do not have to smoke excessively to experience potentially harmful symptoms...

Parker is currently in the Johnson County Jail on $5,000 cash only bond.