Las Vegas Police Death: Man Shocked With Taser Seven Times

A man who died on Sunday while in police custody had been shocked with a taser seven times and was subdued by an officer who used an unauthorized neck hold, according to the department. Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said that the officer has been placed on paid leave while the investigation continues.

The incident happened on Sunday.

Officer Kenneth Lopera, a five-year veteran working the tourist safety division, was at the Venetian Hotel when a man - later identified as 40-year-old Tashi Farmer - approached him and his partner.

McMahill said that Farmer sweating heavily, looked panicked, and stated that people were chasing him.

Lopera tried to help him but Farmer fled.

The officer finally caught up with him, saw him walking up to the driver's side of a truck.

Lopera, fearing that the man was trying to carjack the vehicle, warned him to move away or he would use his Taser.

He then deployed the Taser and while it seemed that it had an effect at first, police say he continued to fight with Lopera.

Venetian security officers joined in the attempt to subdue Farmer.

During the struggle, Lopera used a choke hold that is not approved, holding it for one minute.

Farmer was subdued, officers noticed he was not breathing, and he was rushed to Sunrise Trauma Center where he was pronounced dead.

The department's Force Investigation Team is currently investigating the officer’s use of force in this incident. Their findings will be forwarded to the Clark County District Attorney for review.

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An examination of this incident is being conducted by the LVMPD Critical Incident

Review Team. This review will focus on policy, tactics and training as it relates to this use of force.

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Image via Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's YouTube page.