Man dies after being shocked by police's stun guns

A man is dead after Marion County Sheriff’s deputies used their stun guns to subdue him during a confrontation.

According to IMPD, two off duty deputies were working security at Bethel Townhomes on Tuesday night when they noticed a possible drug transaction occurring inside an SUV in the parking lot.

The deputies approached the SUV around 8 p.m. and reportedly watched the suspect, 28-year-old Anton Butler, place narcotics in his mouth and run from the vehicle. The deputies chased Butler and a physical confrontation ensued.

According to police, Butler violently resisted arrested. The deputies called IMPD officers for assistance and then used stun guns to subdue the suspect.  However, the deputies were unsuccessful in their first attempt and a second “extremely physical confrontation” occurred, according to police. 

IMPD officers arrived a short time later and assisted in placing Butler under arrest.  Shortly after arresting Butler, police said he began foaming at the mouth and began to lose consciousness. 
Butler was transported to Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

IMPD and the Marion County Sheriff’s Department continue to investigate the incident and are awaiting a report from the coroner on an exact cause of death. The deputies involved in the incident were placed on administrative leave with pay until the investigation is complete. 

According to IMPD, it is unknown how many times the deputies used their stun guns on the suspect.

Sheriff John Layton released the following statement:

“I appreciate the professionalism demonstrated by the two law enforcement  agencies, IMPD and MCSO, in dealing with this most unfortunate situation. Investigators from both agencies are working with the coroner’s office to ascertain the cause of death. The deputies that were involved  were placed upon administrative leave with pay until the investigation is complete. This is standard procedure. I have tremendous respect for the men and women of law enforcement who work extra duty. They as well as those on full duty help keep our community safe, and many times they are directly in harms way. For example, of the ten Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies who have lost their lives in the line of duty, three were working extra duty at the time they were slain. I keep those fallen deputies in my prayers, and  I shall also keep the Butler family in my prayers. Every life is precious.”