West Allis police investigates death of man tased by officer

WEST ALLIS -- West Allis police are wondering if the use of a taser by one of their own is to blame for a drunk driving suspect's death. The drunk driving suspect appeared at the police station to pick up his girlfriend who was arrested for OWI.

West Allis Acting Police Chief Charles Padgett tells FOX6 46-year-old Robert Maurina went from calm to combative when he started resisting hospital staff during a blood draw. "Pulling the arms in, and then flailing arms and kicking officers during the incident. Officers were trying to control him. He was not handcuffed at the times, then it was safety issue for everyone in the room," said Acting Chief Padgett.

That's when a West Allis police officer fired his taser. Acting Chief Padgett says, "To my knowledge there were no complaints of injury while he was here." Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's report says Maurina told his brother his kidney and ribs on the left side of his body hurt. Hours later Maurina's brother found him dead in the basement of their home.

West Allis police are investigating Maurina's death, and Acting Chief Padgett has notified the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office to show transparency in the investigation.

While Acting Chief Padgett says the death is unfortunate, he continues to wait for the results of toxicology and other reports.

The officers involved in this incident continue to work their normal duties. Acting Chief Padgett says there isn't anything to indicate the officers acted inappropriately.