Liberty police use stun device to stop man who fled from traffic stop

LIBERTY — An officer used his electronic stun weapon on a suspect early this morning after the man fled after a traffic stop, according to police reports.

Officer David Rankin reported stopping Steven Garland, 40, of Youngstown near the Shell Gas Station on Belmont Avenue at about 12:44 a.m. for speeding and failure to stop at a red light.

The report states that the officer attempted to frisk Garland for possible weapons outside Garland's car, but that Garland started to run westbound toward the Days Inn hotel.

The report continues, "He then tripped or fell over a curb on the sidewalk when looking back at this officer and I advised him to lay on his stomach and place his hands behind his back. He then attempted to roll over [toward] this office and I applied a heel kick to roll him back over. He then began to reach near his waist and pocket area and attempt to roll back towards this officer on his back. He refused to comply and due to his large size and willingness to flee and active resistance against this officer, I deployed my X-26 Taser to his stomach area."

The report states that Garland then placed his hands behind his back and was handcuffed.

Liberty Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene, but Garland declined to be hospitalized or receive medical attention, the report states.

Police say Garland initially gave a false name and age to the officer. A tow truck arrived to impound Garland's vehicle due to several suspensions of his license.

Officers booked Garland into the Trumbull County jail.

Garland will be arraigned in Girard Municipal Court on charges of resisting arrest, failure to comply with the order of a police officer, obstructing a police officer, failure to obey a traffic control device and forfeiture.