Nationwide — Michael Singleton, a 53-year-old man from North Texas, was tased by Dallas police at Love Field Airport while standing still with his hands behind his back. The incident, which was captured on video, has sparked outrage and raised questions about the police’s use of force. He is now demanding an apology from the Dallas Police Department.On April 18, Singleton, a chef, had just passed through TSA when two plain-clothes officers approached him. He says they asked about drugs and already knew his last name. They then told him he had an outstanding warrant.
As officers moved to detain him, Singleton stood still with his hands behind his back. In a now-viral Instagram video, he can be heard asking bystanders to record the incident while surrounded by officers.
Despite not fighting back, one officer stepped back and deployed a taser, shocking Singleton.
Dallas police later said that Singleton was being “defensive” by tensing his arms and refusing to be handcuffed. They stated that using a taser in that situation followed department policy to de-escalate the arrest. He was taken to the City Detention Center and booked on outstanding warrants, though police did not specify the details at the time.
Singleton later found out the warrant was for a $500 traffic violation. He was released after asking his son to send the money via CashApp.
Singleton’s left arm was injured during the incident, and he now wears a sling due to nerve damage. He has medical records showing the injury occurred during the arrest. He wants an apology and calls for a review of police policies on arrest procedures.
“What I would like is an apology, and I would like to know what they are going to do moving forward with this,” Singleton said, according to Fox 4 News.
No additional charges were filed after the incident.