Internal Review Sides With Police in Baptismal Party Arrests

Prince William County police's Taser use found lawful

MANASSAS, Va. -- An internal review by Prince William County police has found officers acted appropriately when they deployed a Taser while arresting a man and woman at a christening party.

An investigation showed the July 26 arrests of Edgar Rodriguez and Leticia Elias were lawful and appropriate, officials said. The two were taken into custody during a family party at Rodriguez's Manassas home.

Police said they received a noise complaint and found Rodriguez "highly intoxicated." He refused to turn down the volume of music playing and to identify himself, police said.

Family members tried to interfere with the arrest, police said, and a large group approached the officers, who then called for backup. Officers used a Taser on Rodriguez and Elias and arrested them.

The two face charges including resisting arrest.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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