Another Running 14-Year-Old Tased

This time in California:

CARLSBAD — A 14-year-old boy suspected of driving a stolen car while being under the influence of alcohol and drugs was chased and shot with a Taser early Thursday morning by California Highway Patrol officers.

Officers spotted the boy driving a 2000 Toyota Corolla south on Carlsbad Boulevard just north of Tamarack Avenue at 1:40 a.m. and tried to pull him over for a traffic violation, CHP Officer Eric Newbury said.

The driver slowed and pulled over but left the car in gear as he and a passenger jumped out and ran toward the beach, Newbury said. “These two kids just bailed,” Newbury said.

The car continued rolling down the road and was stopped by a patrol car.

Officers chased the boy and then shot him with a Taser at the top of a staircase leading to Tamarack beach. He fell and hit his head on the pavement and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

They also chased the passenger, who ran south toward the jetty where they lost sight of him, Newbury said. Officers formed a perimeter around the area but were unable to find him.

The teenage driver was identified as an at-risk runaway, Newbury said. He faces several charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle, driving under the influence and evading arrest.

Tell me again how tasers are gun alternatives. Would the cop have shot this kid if no taser had been available? Please.