Company acknowledges Tasers’ fire complications

OKLAHOMA CITY — The maker of Tasers said Monday that at least 15 people have caught fire, and five have died, in the past 24 years after being stunned while near flammable materials, similar to an Oklahoma man who was burned beyond recognition after he was shocked and reportedly got into his gasoline-soaked van.

Axon spokesman Steve Tuttle said the deaths include the man shocked Nov. 7 by a police officer in Lindsey, although authorities say they are still investigating whether the man may have lit himself on fire. donor told the judge it couldn’t reach a verdict on Monday on any of the 18 counts against them, prompting the judge to order it to continue deliberating.

The development capped a tumultuous day that began with defense attorneys arguing with U.S. District Judge William Walls over a different issue: public comments made last week by a juror who had been excused for a previously scheduled vacation.

The juror said she and others were in favor of acquittal but that she anticipated a hung jury. After questioning jurors in private, the judge directed the jury to restart deliberations with an alternate.