Lafayette Sheriff’s Office Settles Stun Gun Suit

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has agreed to pay $100,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the mother of a Louisiana man who died after he was shocked with a stun gun in 2010.

The Advocate reports Deputy Chris Guidry shocked Javon Rakestrau, 28, twice after the man allegedly became uncooperative when approached for questioning about a suspected drug deal.

Rakestrau died from complications of bronchial asthma, but a forensic pathologist’s report found that the stress resulting from the physical altercation with the police and the use of a stun gun are considered to be contributing factors.

The settlement was reached in July, according to documents recently obtained from the sheriff’s office.

The lawsuit alleged that even if Rakestrau had been uncooperative, the deputy’s use of two shocks from the stun gun was excessive and that Rakestrau had been subdued after the first shock of seven seconds before the deputy shocked him again for nine more seconds.

Deputies found a small amount of marijuana on Rakestrau, according to sheriff’s office reports at the time of the incident.