Cop Watch

Monday, July 11, 2005

Drug suspect's death spurs probe

(AP) Two Sarasota police officers tried unsuccessfully to subdue an unarmed drug suspect with Taser stun guns before one of the officers fatally shot him, authorities said.

The officers then threw flash-bang grenades to confuse him and the home's occupants, which caused Meluzzi to run. Two officers fired their Taser stun guns at Meluzzi, but one of the officers misfired and the other only partially hit him.

Officer Alan Devaney, a 16-year veteran, told investigators he fired his gun after Meluzzi reached into his waistband and made a quick motion with his right hand. The bullet passed through Meluzzi's arm and hit him in the chest, killing him. No weapon was found on or near his body.