Smith later described the encounter as a “stand-off”, telling another officer that he “gave him all the options.” He added,
“Even after spraying, he clutched on to [the knife], to the point where I was going to knock it out of his hands.”
Comotto reportedly told a care home manager,
“We don’t like doing that at all, but what can you do?”
Officers Defend Their Actions
Taking the stand on Friday, Comotto broke down in tears as she defended her decision, insisting her use of force was necessary.
“I honestly believed the taser was necessary,” she told jurors.
“It was proportionate because other tactics had failed. If I didn’t act, something worse could happen.”
