Man Bursts into Flames after Police Use Taser
WTVD-TV
Thu October 20, 2005
Area: Raleigh, Durham (Fayetvlle)
A Fayetteville man suspected of stealing concrete from construction sites is in the hospital after bursting into flames during his arrest.
Cumberland County deputies say Richard McKinnon sped away during a routine traffic stop Wednesday night. After a chase, deputies used a Taser gun to subdue McKinnon.
They believe gas from a gas can splashed onto McKinnon and the Taser sparked a fire. The suspect was burned over 70 percent of his body. McKinnon is being treated at the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill.
Investigators say the Taser was used only after McKinnon lunged at a deputy.
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