Christmas Taser Prank Results In Two Chiefs Under Arrest

Posted by: Curt Varone December 30, 2011 2 Comments

Last year about this time we covered the case of a Florida firefighter who was charged with arson for setting the pants of another firefighter on fire at a Christmas Party. He was fired for his prank.

This year, some good’ol boys in North Carolina took a slightly different tact and Tasered one of their younger members … NINE TIMES…. Seriously!!!!

Two ranking members of the East Spencer Fire Department are facing assault charges following their use of a police officer’s Taser on an 18 year old volunteer firefighter as a prank at the department Christmas party. East Spencer Fire Chief Shane Cranfield and former chief Allen Carlyle borrowed the device from officer James Lambeth, who was on duty at the time.

An internal investigation showed the device was discharged 18 times in a 3 minute period, and allegedly shocked the victim, John Resino, at least 9 of those times. Officer Lambeth has since resigned and faces criminal charges for allowing the assault to happen.

Resino was never taken to a hospital. The state police and county Sherriff’s office have been asked to  investigate.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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