Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Tom Crann
St. Paul, Minn.

Training law enforcement to use tasers

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

A Fridley, Minn., man died this week after Minnesota State Troopers used a taser on him.

Troopers were responding to a traffic accident Tuesday afternoon in New Brighton, Minn., when they encountered Mark Backlund. The troopers described him as an "uncooperative driver."

After the troopers shot him with a taser, 29 year old Backlund was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the case, and Autopsy results are expected within the next couple of days.

Virtually unheard of a decade ago, about 7,200 different law enforcement agencies now use taser-like devices in the U.S.

Human rights groups have complained about the use of tasers, claiming the devices are linked to over 100 deaths since 2001.