Wewoka high school player shocked by police Taser after game

Sunday, March 12th 2006, 11:30 am

By: News On 6

MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (AP) _ A member of the Wewoka High School basketball team was shocked when he ran into a police Taser while officers tried to control the crowd after the state basketball semifinals at Carl Albert High School, police said.

The player is a 14-year-old ninth grader. His name was not released.

The incident occurred after Washington rallied for a 62-57 win over Wewoka in the Class 2A semifinal and the crowd became unruly, said Midwest City Police Chief Brandon Clabes.

``It was a very emotional game where tempers were flaring,'' Clabes said. ``Officers were worried and felt like it was a very volatile situation.''

Off-duty officers who had been hired to provide security then called for additional police units and tried to keep opposing fans separated and out of the gym and locker rooms.

Clabes said officers were alerted that the Wewoka student was ``very upset'' and ``out of control.''

Sgt. Kenneth Sloan pulled out his Taser and performed a ``spark test'' _ causing electrical sparks to flicker across the handheld device _ to intimidate the crowd.

``We use the spark test because it makes noise and shows the arc of electricity and is usually a good deterrent,'' Clabes said.

During the spark test, Clabes said, the Wewoka student ran into the Taser and was shocked.

Wewoka High School Principal and Athletic Director Kenneth Pattison said the student was very upset about the loss and had been in the locker room ``crying uncontrollably'' before the incident.

Wewoka had led by five points in the fourth quarter before Washington came from behind for the win to advance to Saturday's state championship game, which was won by Oklahoma Christian.