The mother of a Thetford man who died after being struck in the chest by a state police Taser, plans to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against the state Wednesday.
Rhonda Taylor, the mother of MacAdam Mason, will appear at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at U.S. District Court in Burlington to file the action against the Vermont State Police, according to a news release from her attorney, Robert Appel.
Mason, 39, died two years ago when a Vermont state trooper fired his Taser weapon at Mason, striking him in the chest. Police were responding to a disturbance at Mason’s home. Mason suffered from a seizure disorder and Trooper David Shaffer said Mason ignored his commands and moved toward the officer, who said he feared “serious bodily injury.” Attorney General Bill Sorrell reviewed the incident and no charges were filed against Shaffer.
Mason’s death led to a bill passed by the Legislature last month that will lead to the adoption of a statewide policy on Taser use by police. All departments will be required to follow the policy once it is created by a police advisory board.
Shaffer feared suffering “serious bodily injury” after Mason ignored his commands and approached him outside the home, Sorrell said in announcing his decision not to file charges against Shaffer.
