Tosa police release bodycam footage from tasing incident that left man in critical condition, DA rules officer's response was justified

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Wauwatosa police on Wednesday, Aug. 28 released body camera footage from an incident that left a 37-year-old man in critical condition.

It comes the same day Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm cleared the officer involved of any wrongdoing.

Johnny George stopped breathing after he was tased. He remains unresponsive three months later.

It happened May 22 at Pine Lawn Memorial Park.

A responding officer's body camera showed him saying, "Is there an altercation going on? Hey! Everyone break it up right now" when he arrived.

Authorities say a physical fight began between two individuals at the park and police were called to assist when one of the individuals experienced a medical emergency.

The DA's later investigation said 10-12 family members had been there for hours, some of them were drunk.

When they got there, a 61-year-old man was on his knees, arguing with his nephew, Johnny George.

Six times the officer tried to get George to move away so he could speak with the man.

When an officer tried to lead one individual away from the scene to de-escalate the situation, he resisted.

When the officer tried to move him away, George grabbed the officer's vest. Another officer's body cam showed George hit the first officer in the face.

A second officer then used an electronic control device, also known as a taser. Police say it effectively stopped George's behavior, allowing the officer to gain control of him on the ground.

As the first officer straddled George, someone can be heard saying, "You're not swinging at the cops. It's as simple as that, guys."

More officers responded as they tried to roll George over into a seated position.

In pre-recorded remarks included with the video, Wauwatosa Police Chief James MacGillis said, "During that time, the subject experiences a medical emergency and officers determine that he becomes unresponsive."

They called over the fire fighters already on scene to render aid.

George was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

MacGillis said in the video, "Resisting or fighting with the officer justifies the use of a taser, and remember, the subject punched the officer in the face."

The Wauwatosa police officer who deployed his taser was placed on administrative leave.

Authorities say an investigation determined the officer did not use excessive force during this incident.

The DA's office ultimately determined the use of a taser in this incident was reasonable and not excessive.

Johnny George had no injuries, other than broken ribs; those were from the CPR he received on site.