Topeka Capital Journal: “A Jackson County sheriff’s deputy used his Taser on a 12-year-old autistic boy without warning as the youth sat handcuffed, shackled and hogtied in the deputy’s vehicle.
The state’s law enforcement oversight body says Matthew Honas on Feb. 23 used excessive force multiple times on the boy, including tying him up in a manner that threatened “his ability to breathe properly.”
The Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training on Aug. 22 issued an order of reprimand to Honas. While Honas was discharged March 3 from his deputy’s job in Jackson County, the commission chose not to revoke his certification as a law enforcement officer.”
KSCPOST said the unreasonableness of Honas’ use of force was compounded by the following facts:
- He “‘hog tied’ L.H., threatening his ability to breathe properly.”
- His actions “on several occasions appeared to be punitive in nature.”
- He applied “pain compliance” without giving direction to the boy regarding what he was supposed to do.
- He told the boy, “When the other guy gets here, you’re going to hurt more.”
- He refused and canceled assistance from two other available officers.
- He said he was going to call a transport van, but did not.
- He told the boy he would tase him again if he did anything he was not supposed to do.
- He used inappropriate language, include profanity.
- He did not use de-escalation techniques or other means to persuade the boy to comply.
- He failed to use other options to restrain the boy.
