Police: Man taunted cop before he was tasered, ran into traffic

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – The passenger of a car stopped for a speeding violation Thursday night taunted an officer before he was hit by a shock from a Taser gun and ran into traffic, only to be struck by a car, according to the Neptune Beach Police Department.

An officer pulled the car that was clocked for going 60 mph in a 45 mph zone on Atlantic Boulevard near Florida Boulevard just after 9 p.m., according to Cmdr. Mike Key. He said Thomas Bennett got out of the passenger seat and became aggressive with the officer. Police said the officer drew his gun, then holstered it and told Bennett to get back in the car.

When Bennett yelled, “You’re going to have to make me," and clenched his fists, the officer used a Taser on him, but it had no effect, according to the report. 

Thomas pulled out the Taser prod and ran into Atlantic Boulevard traffic, where he was struck by a van, officers said.

Bennett was rushed to the hospital for serious injuries.

Key said the driver of the car that was pulled over for speeding was cooperating, as was the driver of the car that struck the man.

The driver of the van told News4Jax he was thankful he had slowed down when the saw the police lights to lessen the impact, but the force still broke his windshield and left him with other damage.

Bennett remained in the hospital Friday. He is currently charged with resisting an officer. Records show he has been arrested for DUI and drug charges in the past.