An unidentified man died after he was Tasered in Maryland on Saturday, the eleventh person this month to die in such circumstances. At least 269 North Americans have reportedly died after being shocked with the Taser's 50,000 volt electrical charge since police started using the weapons. Although Tasers are touted as "life-saving" devices, they are frequently used on armed people in medical distress, with often tragic results.

Patrick D. Wagans, 42, of Valleyview, Ohio died on May 16th after being Tasered by police, thus becoming the 26th such North American fatality this year. More than 260 people have died after being shocked by the Taser weapon's 50,000 volt output. Law enforcement officials generally attribute these deaths to so-called "excited delerium", which is not a recognised medical condition. The controversy continues as, on average, more than one American dies every week after being Tasered.