California lawmaker demands answers in park ranger’s use of stun gun on dog walker

A California lawmaker wants an investigation into whether a park ranger's use of a stun gun on a man stopped for walking his two small dogs without a leash amounted to excessive force.

Gary Hesterberg, 50, was stunned with a Taser electric-shock device when he was walking two small dogs off-leash in violation of rules at the Golden Gate National Recreational Area Sunday afternoon, the Associated Press reported, citing park officials.

The San Francisco Chronicle cites Howard Levitt, a spokesman for the national recreation area, as saying that Hesterberg gave a false name to the ranger, who then asked for backup.

"Hesterberg challenged the ranger's authority to detain him and tried to leave, Levitt said. The ranger grabbed his arm and warned him to remain, threatening him with the use of the shock weapon, Levitt said."

According to witnesses, Hesterberg told the ranger not to stun him because he had a heart condition, but he ranger shot him in the back as he walked away.

The AP cites a witness as saying the use of the stun gun appeared unnecessary.

Meanwhile, Congresswoman Jackie Speier penned a letter to Frank Dean, general superintendent of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, on Wednesday asking about the kind of use-of-force training given to park rangers and whether notices posted about leash laws in the park were sufficient.

"Many of my constituents are understandably angered by what appears to be an excessive use of force by a park ranger," reportedly wrote.

After being attended to by paramedics at the scene, Hesterberg was arrested on suspicion of failing to obey a lawful order, having dogs off-leash and knowingly providing false information, Levitt reportedly said. He was later released.