Stun gun vsTaser

"A situation like this could have ended in an officer-involved situation, or it could have been a prolonged incident for hours. This was resolved rather quickly because it gives us that distance to not put our officers in harm’s way, not put other people in harm’s way...and just the accuracy, the technology is amazing," Del Toro said.

Alamy and its logo are trademarks of Alamy Ltd. and are registered in certain countries. Copyright © 07/12/2024 Alamy Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

"Several more officers arrived on scene, established a perimeter to keep everyone safe," Chief Richard Del Toro told WPBF 25 News.

PoliceTaser

"A situation like this could have ended in an officer-involved situation or it could have been a prolonged incident for hours. This was resolved rather quickly because it gives us that distance to not put our officers in harm’s way, not put other people in harm’s way...and just the accuracy, the technology is amazing," Chief Richard Del Toro told WPBF 25 News.

"It was through the efforts of an off-duty officer that spoke to him, convinced him to at least put the gun away from his head," Master Officer Scott Johnson, a training coordinator with Port St. Lucie Police, told WPBF 25 News.

Gun picture

Just moments after, the video shows another officer deploying his stun gun from 48 feet away before the man falls to the ground.

"A situation like this could have ended in an officer-involved situation or it could have been a prolonged incident for hours. This was resolved rather quickly because it gives us that distance to not put our officers in harm’s way, not put other people in harm’s way...and just the accuracy, the technology is amazing," Chief Richard Del Toro told WPBF 25 News.

And with the assistance of a newer tool in their back pocket, Port St. Lucie Police officers saved a man's life last month.

Lipsticktaser

If you or someone you know needs help, you can talk with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or sending a text message to 988, or you can chat online here.

"A situation like this could have ended in an officer-involved situation or it could have been a prolonged incident for hours. This was resolved rather quickly because it gives us that distance to not put our officers in harm’s way, not put other people in harm’s way...and just the accuracy, the technology is amazing," Chief Richard Del Toro told WPBF 25 News.

WPBF 25 News obtained body camera video from Port St. Lucie Police on the night of Feb.4 at the Shell gas station on 3401 SW Darwin Blvd.

"Just put that gun down, man, take it off your head and keep talking," one police officer was heard saying in the video.

Pictures of pepper spray

“He was brought to a mental health facility where he received treatment from professionals,” Del Toro said. “A lot of times officers have to wear many different hats. We’re social workers, law enforcement officers, mental health counselors.”

"Taser 7, you had two cartridge base, so basically you had two opportunities to control a subject or create what’s called NMI or neuromuscular incapacitation," Johnson said.

"With Taser 10, now we have 10 opportunities, basically going from two cartridges to 10 cartridges. So, it gives officers a better chance of not having to escalate further," he added.