Sheriff Refutes Claims Of Taser Threat
Incident Began Over Handicapped Parking Spot
POSTED: 4:54 pm CDT April 3,
2008
UPDATED: 8:29 pm CDT April 3,
2008
RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. -- A sheriff accused of threatening a man with a Taser is disputing allegations that began over a parking spot.
Video: Sheriff Involved In Incident Over Parking SpaceLogan County resident Daniel Draper said Todd County Sheriff Billy Stokes parked in a handicapped parking spot and threatened him with a Taser when he complained."He said, ‘Are you going to shoot me with that?' I said, 'You said that. I told you go back to your car. Police will be here,'" said Stokes.The March 22 altercation began with Stokes taking his wife to the Logan County Wal-Mart. He said he dropped her off in front, drove around the parking lot and parked in a striped area next to a handicapped spot. Stokes said that's when Draper knocked on his window.After Draper knocked on his window, Stokes said, Draper approached him a couple more times. Stokes said that's when he felt threatened, so he said he pulled out his Taser but did not use it."I did draw my Taser out…and I laid it on my lap," Stokes said.When police arrived at the scene, Stokes was allowed to leave but was later charged with three criminal offenses.There are about a dozen handicapped parking spaces in the area that are used by people like James Rigney."If he was only going be in there for a minute or two and it was legal business, OK, that's fine. But he’s just using it as an excuse to go shopping, I don't think that's right," Rigney said.Stokes could spend up to 30 days in jail if he's found guilty of the charges. He is scheduled to be in court later in April and said he plans to plead not guilty.Draper declined comment about the incident. Draper has been charged with disorderly conduct and contempt of court in the past.
Video: Sheriff Involved In Incident Over Parking SpaceLogan County resident Daniel Draper said Todd County Sheriff Billy Stokes parked in a handicapped parking spot and threatened him with a Taser when he complained."He said, ‘Are you going to shoot me with that?' I said, 'You said that. I told you go back to your car. Police will be here,'" said Stokes.The March 22 altercation began with Stokes taking his wife to the Logan County Wal-Mart. He said he dropped her off in front, drove around the parking lot and parked in a striped area next to a handicapped spot. Stokes said that's when Draper knocked on his window.After Draper knocked on his window, Stokes said, Draper approached him a couple more times. Stokes said that's when he felt threatened, so he said he pulled out his Taser but did not use it."I did draw my Taser out…and I laid it on my lap," Stokes said.When police arrived at the scene, Stokes was allowed to leave but was later charged with three criminal offenses.There are about a dozen handicapped parking spaces in the area that are used by people like James Rigney."If he was only going be in there for a minute or two and it was legal business, OK, that's fine. But he’s just using it as an excuse to go shopping, I don't think that's right," Rigney said.Stokes could spend up to 30 days in jail if he's found guilty of the charges. He is scheduled to be in court later in April and said he plans to plead not guilty.Draper declined comment about the incident. Draper has been charged with disorderly conduct and contempt of court in the past.
Previous Stories:
- April 2, 2008: Sheriff Accused Of Threats Over Parking Space
Copyright 2008 by WSMV.com. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Got a story idea? E-mail newstips to news@wsmv.com or call the newsroom 24/7 at 615-353-2231.
