New non lethal weapons proven a success for local police

Local police use non lethal beanbag shotgun during an arrest for vandalism

Two officers had an opportunity to test the departments new beanbag shotguns during an arrest that occurred last night. The man in question has been identified as Timothy Lee Carnathan.

The officers began pursuing Carnathan after observing him throw a brick through the window of a shop on Main Street. During the pursuit he stopped fleeing and lunged at the officers with a steak knife in his hand.

In these situations officers are allowed to use lethal force. In this case however one of the officers was equipped with a beanbag shotgun. He fired one shot at Carnathan, knocking him to the ground and allowing the other officer to disarm and arrest him.

Carnathan has been booked on two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of felony assault, and one count each of resisting arrest, failure to obey a police officer and destruction of public property. He is currently being held on a $5000 bail.