Local News

Mashpee police investigate use of stun gun in arrest

Screenshot of a video showing a Mashpee police officer using a stun gun on Ryan Ridenour during a March 4 arrest. YouTube Screenshot

By Allison Manning

June 3, 2016

2 minutes to read

Mashpee police have completed an internal investigation into a March arrest, when officers used a stun gun on a man wanted on warrants. But the police chief says he won’t release the results until the case against the arrested man is resolved.

Ryan J. Ridenour, 27, was in a driveway on Cranberry Lane in Mashpee on March 4 when police arrived to take him into custody. A video captured of the incident — first reported by NECN — showed a police officer standing next to the open door on the passenger side, where Ridenour was sitting. The officer had a stun gun in his hand.

“This is the last time I’m telling you. Get out of the car,” the officer said.

“Let me get out of the car!” Ridenour yelled.

The officer then activated the stun gun and Ridenour screamed as two officers pull him out of the car. The clicking of the stun gun continued as Ridenour was held on the ground.

Watch the full video (warning: explicit language)

Police Chief Scott W. Carline said in a statement Friday that he ordered an internal investigation into the incident after he became aware of it. That investigation is now complete, but Carline said he won’t release the results until the new charges arising from the Mashpee arrest are resolved. He wouldn’t identify the officers.

Ridenour was charged with assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest in the Mashpee incident.

“I look forward to releasing the internal investigation in its entirety,” Carline said in the statement.

The warrant out of Wrentham stemmed from a 2014 charge of assault and battery on a police officer that was resolved that same year. A warrant was issued after he failed to appear for a probation matter.

Ridenour’s mother, who can be seen in the video, declined comment Friday. Peter Aspesi, Ridenour’s defense attorney, said he was present at some of the interviews of witnesses during the internal investigation into the arrest.

“I do believe at the end of the day, Mr. Ridenour will be exonerated of the charges he is facing in Falmouth District Court as a result of this incident,” he said.