Man died from head injuries caused after police officer used a Taser on him
An investigation is underway into the death of a 57-year-old St. Paul man who died after hitting his head with police used a Taser on him.
FOX 9 reports that a Brooklyn Center officer used a Taser on Sinth Khottavongsa after responding to a call on January 16 of a group fight in a parking lot on the 5800 block of Xerxes Ave. N with possible weapons being used.
Police say Khottavongsa was holding a crowbar "in a threatening manner" which he refused to drop when ordered on multiple occasions when requested by police, the news station says.
A release from the Hennepin County Medical Center revealed that he died this past Sunday at North Memorial Medical Center as a result of complications from a "blunt force head injury," believe to have been caused when he hit the ground following the use of the Taser.
KSTP reports that his death is now being investigated by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.
A website has been launched to help raise money for his family to cover his funeral and medical expenses on the GoFundMe website.
"Sinth was a compassionate and generous person," the website says. "Those who knew him best also remember him as a selfless, caring, and loving individual. His contagious smile and humor brought joy to many lives.
"He positively impacted surrounding communities by inspiring them through his craftmanship and spirit of volunteerism. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He worked very hard to help and serve not only his family, but whom ever came into his life."
