Taser use questioned in Scappoose man’s death

from the South County Spotlight
A Scappoose family is questioning what role a taser gun played in the death of Glenn Shipman Jr., 50, who died three days after Scappoose police had used a taser to take him into custody for transport to a Portland hospital.

A finding by Dr. Clifford Nelson of the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office concludes that the use of a taser did not factor into Shipman’s death, however.

“That’s his determination after reading the case,” said Eugene Gray, a forensic examiner with the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Gray said that Nelson had evaluated the case over the course of three days before reaching that determination.

Scappoose police responded to a call by Shipman’s mother, Kathryn, in the late evening hour of Aug. 23 that Glenn, who was living at his parents house, was acting disorderly.

“His mother had called us because he was out of control,” said Scappoose Police Chief Doug Greisen.

Glenn’s mother and father were not available for comment prior to press time Tuesday.

Greisen said that the family has indicated to him a belief that the taser weakened Glenn’s heart, ultimately contributing to his later death.

Glenn’s death was the result of cardiac arrest, according to media reports.

When police arrived, they discovered the 450-pound Glenn threatening to shut off the power to the house. At that time, police determined that Glenn did not pose a threat to others or himself and returned to the police department office.

Later, at 10:20 p.m., a Columbia County Mental Health professional called Scappoose police with a request to take Glenn into Legacy Emanuel Hospital, where a room was waiting for him.

Glenn has a history of mental illness, and police report records show that he had made delusional comments to police.

When Glenn, who according to police was becoming combative, refused to be taken into custody, Sgt. Doug Carpenter fired the taser into him. Glenn pulled the taser prongs out of his chest, prompting a second firing of the taser into Glenn by Officer Shaun Barrett.

Glenn then wavered on his feet and was tackled by attending officers, including back-up support officers from Oregon State Police, Greisen said. Glenn was evaluated by paramedics prior to being transported to the hospital in a squad car.

Glenn later died on Aug. 26 while in the custody of hospital staff. Portland police have started a homicide investigation into Glenn’s death.

“We’re very saddened by this,” Greisen said.

Scappoose police began using the taser two years ago, and all officers receive training on how to use the device twice annually.

Greisen said this incident has not made him question whether the taser is a safe law enforcement tool.