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Police: Norwalk Man Found In Burning Car Tasered After Struggling With EMT

NORWALK, Conn. — A Norwalk man who awoke in his car to find it on fire and then told police who tasered him following a struggle that it didn't work is now under arrest. 

Steven Cruz

Steven Cruz

Photo Credit: Norwalk Police Department

Steven Cruz, 22, of 42 West Ave., was charged with assault on an EMS member and interfering with an officer. HIs bond was set at $5,000, and his first scheduled court date is Feb. 24. 

Police were called to a Saturn car on fire at 300 Wilson Ave. at about 11 a.m. Thursday. When the officer arrived, he spoke with Cruz, who said he had been sleeping in the car, awoke to the smell smoke and noticed there was a fire in the rear of the vehicle, police said. The fire department was called to put out the blaze.

The officer called Norwalk EMS because of concerns that Cruz might be a danger to himself based on statements he had made, police said. During the evaluation, Cruz became upset and the officer called for backup, police said. 

Cruz pushed one of the EMS workers as he attempted to leave the ambulance, police said. When one of the officers took out his Taser, Cruz attempted to grab it, Lt. Terry Blake said, at which point the officer used his Taser on Cruz.

"The Taser did not have the desired effect, at which point Cruz indicated that it was not effective and returned to the ambulance and sat down in the ambulance," Blake said.

Cruz was handcuffed for his own safety, Blake said, and taken to Norwalk Hospital for evaluation. When he was released, Cruz was taken to Norwalk Police headquarters, arrested and charged.

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