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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Lost Taser cartridge poses danger

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 12/29/2010 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

A Winnipeg police officer lost a Taser cartridge while on duty overnight Monday.

Police are warning the public not to pick up the cartridge, as it could accidentally discharge and deliver an electric shock to an unsuspecting victim.

Police hope to get the cartridge back.

The Taser itself was not lost, they say. The cartridge became dislodged and separated from a uniformed patrol officer's service belt while the officer was on duty downtown.

The cartridge was in a pouch and is a black plastic case with a design of lightning bolts on the top and side, moulded into the plastic.

The dimensions are about five centimetres long and about 2.5 centimetres thick. It is lightweight.

If the cartridge is picked up by an unsuspecting person and carried in a pocket, a buildup of static energy could activate the cartridge, causing the probes to be propelled, police said.

Anyone who spots the cartridge is asked to contact police at 986-3061.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 29, 2010 A8

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