Teen Tased In East Hampton After Resisting Arrest: Police

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A Riverhead teen stopped for an illegal U-turn was tased after he resisted arrest in East Hampton Village, police said.

According to East Hampton Village Police, Gregory Maurice Trent, 19, was arrested last Friday at 4:55 p.m. on Main Street and charged with resisting arrest, second degree reckless endangerment, and third degree aggravated unlicensed operation, all misdemeanors, as well as disorderly conduct and an illegal U-turn, both violations.

An officer on foot patrol saw Trent, driving a white Dodge van, making an improper U-turn, police said. A DMV check determined that his license had been suspended for possession and/or sale of drugs, police said.

Trent was asked to step out of the vehicle and began to resist arrest by refusing to follow verbal commands, police said.

When an officer pulled out handcuffs, Trent allegedly said, "You're not putting f------ cuffs on me, bro," police said.

An officer was able to place handcuffs on Trent's left wrist, but Trent twisted away, causing the officer to fall back onto the van, police said. Trent then flailed his arms, making it difficult to put the handcuffs on the right wrist, police said.

The officer then gave another verbal command, saying, "If you do not put your hands behind your back you will be tased," police said. Police were unable to put the handcuff on his right wrist because Trent became "rigid and tense," authorities said.

A police officer used the taser, causing Trent "to fall to the ground," police said.

A sergeant gave several commands, ordering Trent to roll onto his stomach; he did not comply, police said. A police officer and a sergeant grabbed his left wrist while another officer restrained his legs, police said.

Once Trent was "under control," an officer placed the handcuff on his wrist, and he was placed in back of the patrol car until East Hampton Ambulance arrived; he was transported to Southampton Hospital for medical evaluation, cleared, and then taken back to East Hampton Village Police headquarters, where he was processed and, unable to post bail, was held for arraignment, police said.