Park Ranger Tasers off leash dog walker

[muddypaw]

A Montara man walking two lapdogs off leash was hit with an electric-shock gun by a National Park Service ranger after allegedly giving a false name and trying to walk away, authorities said Monday.
The park ranger encountered Gary Hesterberg with his two small dogs Sunday afternoon at Rancho Corral de Tierra, which was recently incorporated into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, said Howard Levitt, a spokesman for the park service.
Hesterberg, who said he didn't have identification with him, allegedly gave the ranger a false name, Levitt said.
The ranger, who wasn't identified, asked Hesterberg to remain at the scene, Levitt said. He tried several times to leave, and finally the ranger "pursued him a little bit and she did deploy her" electric-shock weapon, Levitt said. "That did stop him."
San Mateo County sheriff's deputies and paramedics then arrived and Hesterberg gave his real name, the park spokesman said.
Hesterberg, whose age was not available, was arrested on suspicion of failing to obey a lawful order, having dogs off-leash and knowingly providing false information, Levitt said.
He was then released. He did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Witnesses said the use of a stun gun and the arrest seemed excessive for someone walking two small dogs off leash.
"It was really scary," said Michelle Babcock, who said she had seen the incident as she and her husband were walking their two border collies. "I just felt so bad for him."

Babcock said Hesterberg had repeatedly asked the ranger why he was being detained. She didn't answer him, Babcock said.
"He just tried to walk away. She never gave him a reason," Babcock said.
The ranger shot Hesterberg in the back with her shock weapon as he walked off, Babcock said.
"We were like in disbelief," she said. "It didn't make any sense."
Rancho Corral de Tierra has long been an off-leash walking spot for local dog owners. In December, the area became part of the national park system, which requires that all dogs be on a leash, Levitt said.
The ranger was trying to educate residents of the rule, Levitt said

Read more: Ranger zaps off-leash dog walker with shock weapon

[msvette2u]

Wonder what the fake name he used was...??

[Courtney]

Complete speculation on my end, but it kind of sounds like he was blowing the ranger off, walking away, giving a false name, not seeing the importance of her stopping him...i don't know..

[msvette2u]

That was my guess and I can only imagine the name he gave.

[selzer]

stun guns are not toys. A guy in our tiny town got killed, when the cops used one on him. Would this ranger have shot this guy as he walked away with a gun dispensing bullets?

It sounds like she was way out of bounds. I did not think park rangers had the same power as ordinary cops, they certainly do not need police training.

From what I read on this thread, she should be fired, but let's not be hasty.

[meldleistikow]

I know that in Minnesota, Park Rangers (DNR agents) have the same training as police officers. I don't necessarily agree with the officer, but Tasers are meant to be a non-lethal way to make someone comply. They save a lot of lives. I have a law enforcement degree and have been tased. I would much rather be tased than beaten with a baton because I was fighting or not complying. It is a very painful experience, but there are no lasting effects from it (other than how you land).

I am not saying that it was right in this situation, just saying that tasers can be a good thing.

[Jax08]

ummm...does a park ranger have the authority to use force on someone?

[selzer]

If the situation does not warrant being beat with a baton, or shot with a gun, they should not tase you. They have no idea whether you have a heart condition. These have killed more people than just our resident here. They were considering requiring officers who use tasers to have defibulators available, because the can kill. Having some unleashed pets is not a situation where one should be beaten with a baton, shot with a gun or tased. It is a gross misuse of power.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

He is living my dream though, of tasering people who have their dogs off leash in leash areas, while I try to walk my dogs, who don't like friendly dogs in their faces...living the dream.

[Stevenzachsmom]

Originally Posted by JeanKBBMMMAAN

He is living my dream though, of tasering people who have their dogs off leash in leash areas, while I try to walk my dogs, who don't like friendly dogs in their faces...living the dream.

I'm soooo glad you said that, 'cause I was thinking it. LOL!