Manitowoc Police arrested a 33-year-old man after he was tased three times and caught fire Friday.
According to police, the incident began around 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 14 in the area of S. 25th St. and Hamilton St. for a report of a man standing in the middle of the street yelling that he had a knife and that he was going to “gut” someone.
When officers arrived, they say they found the naked, 33-year-old in the intersection. When questioned, the man told police he was not doing anything wrong. Police say they later found a folding knife along with the man’s pants at his home.
Officers on scene were informed that the suspect had an active warrant out of the City of Two Rivers.
The Officers attempted to take the man to a squad car when he resisted. During the struggle, police say the suspect had his hands in front of his body and was kicking at officers. At that time, an officer used a taser, but there was no effect on the suspect. Police used another taser. Police say at some point the man grabbed a lighter. They report one of the taser probes struck the lighter, puncturing the lighter, and started a fire. The fire included the suspect’s facial and chest hair. Officers attempted to put out the flames, but the suspect resisted their attempts to extinguish the flames. The suspect was eventually tased a third time, this time police say it took effect on the suspect.
When EMS arrived, police say the suspect continued to resist and they sedated him and took him to the hospital for treatment.
Police say the suspect was arrested for Felony Resisting/Battery to Police Officer, Disorderly Conduct, and Lewd And Lascivious Behavior.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Manitowoc Police Department at 920-686-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 920-683-4466. Anyone with information may remain anonymous.
