Man is Tasered after DUI arrest in Orem

OREM — An unruly man, arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, was Tasered twice by a Utah Highway Patrol officer Friday after trying to kick out the windows of a patrol car and assaulting a trooper.

A report on UHP's Web site says the man, who was not identified, was pulled over on southbound I-15 in Orem and arrested on suspicion of DUI.

The man was handcuffed and placed in the caged backseat of the patrol vehicle. During transport, he was able to move his hands from his back to his front and attempted to open the vehicle's back door — which doesn't open from the inside.

The UHP report said the trooper pulled over after the man attempted to kick out the windows of the vehicle.

Another UHP unit arrived, and both troopers attempted to remove the man from the car. The report says the man kicked one of the troopers, at which point a Taser was used on the suspect, followed by a "dry Tasing" — when the device is applied directly to a subject.

The man lost consciousness, and medical assistance was called. Troopers at the scene checked the man's vital signs, which were normal. The report states the man regained consciousness before medics arrived.

The man remained incarcerated Saturday under investigation for driving under the influence. Further charges likely will be filed, a UHP spokesman said.

— Arthur Raymond