Police search for stolen Taser

By Uriah A. Kiser

Published: October 12, 2008

Police say a Taser stolen from an officer early this morning could pose a danger to a Dale City neighborhood.

Police were called to the 5400 block of Mapledale Plaza just after 1 a.m. to break up a fight egged on by a mob, Prince William County police spokeswoman Erika Hernandez said in a released statement.

As officers were arresting two women involved in the fight, Hernandez said one of the arresting officers was assaulted and a Taser was stolen from the officer’s holster.

Hernandez said police searched the area for the weapon but it has not yet turned up.

“The Taser is fully loaded and could pose a danger to the community,” said Hernandez, in the statement.

The Taser is widely considered by law enforcement agencies as a “less-lethal” weapon, as it uses a highly-powered electrical charge to temporarily faze suspects.

Shaped like a pistol, the device has become a popular law enforcement alternative to the handgun.

Police charged Ebony Miller, 28, of 4402 Eames Lane in Dale City, with assault and battery on a police officer and disorderly conduct after the fight, Hernandez said.
Miller was held on $5,000 bond and has a scheduled court date of Nov. 10.

Monique Charlton, 33, of 17883 Lounsbery Drive in Dumfries, was charged with disorderly conduct, Hernandez said.

Charlton was held on $1,000 bond and she has a scheduled court date of Nov. 10.

Hernandez said the investigation in ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Solvers at (703) 670-3700.