The Gilbert Police Department is accused of using excessive force on a veteran.
In a notice of claim filed with the department, the family of Kyle Cardenas says their son called the veteran crisis hotline in September. Family members say he was showing intense signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD.
The claim says officers showed up at their home, even though they asked for law enforcement to be kept out of the situation. The family says officers used a Taser stun gun on Cardenas at least seven times, triggering an episode that required he be taken to the hospital.
At one point, Cardenas stopped breathing, according to the complaint. They say he can no longer put strain on his heart.
The document says police told Cardenas he was being detained because he tried to get the family dog to attack the responding officers.
When reached, Gilbert police said there was an active investigation, but declined to provide any specifics.
