NEED FOR MULTIPLE TASER HITS QUESTIONED

Family Of Dead Man Concerned About Police Procedures

A 37-year-old man who died Monday after a Glendale police officer used a
Taser to subdue him was hit three times with the weapon before he was
brought under control, police and family members said Wednesday.

Police tried twice to stun Glenn Richard Leyba with the Taser by making
direct contact. The first time was in his calf. The second was in his buttocks.

But Leyba, who was suffering from seizurelike symptoms, did not respond
until the officer stepped back and fired a two-prong dart into his back.

Preliminary autopsy results suggest Leyba died as a result of a heart
attack brought on by drug-induced agitation. Arapahoe County Coroner
Michael Doberson has told police he does not believe the Taser played a
role in the death.

The investigation into the incident, which occurred at a condominium at
4866 E. Kentucky Ave. at 4:45 p.m. Monday, is continuing.

But Glendale Police Chief Victor Ross said Wednesday he does not know
whether Leyba was shocked all three times.

"There may have been too many layers of clothing or the officers may not
have been able to get close enough," Ross said of the first two attempts.
"Just because there are two or three contacts does not mean he was Tased
(shocked) each time."

Ross confirmed that Leyba was on the ground when officers arrived and did
not charge them. But the chief said he was kicking, thrashing and failing
to follow officers' orders.

Leyba's sister said Wednesday that her family understands police were
trying to bring her brother under control, but they have unanswered questions.

"We're not in any way saying it was outrageous what police did. We believe
in accountability, and we understand that Glenn was in a bad situation.
They were there to help," she said. "But we want to know why the Taser was
used so many times and why it was in his back side."

The sister, who spoke on the condition her name be withheld, called upon
police to clearly define their policies for using Tasers in medical
emergencies.

"We just want to make sure that things are being handled appropriately and
that this equipment isn't misused," she said.

Meanwhile, members of Leyba's family are trying to come to terms with his
death.

Leyba's sister said she will remember her brother as a fun-loving, caring
Christian, who was trying to beat a drug addiction.

"He hoped he could overcome his troubles. He wanted to settle down and
raise a family of his own," she said.

"This is a lot to take. We know he had problems, but we were very proud to
have him in our family."

The Newcomer Family Mortuary in Lakewood is handling funeral arrangements.