Journal-News.com

OXFORD — A man critically injured in a police Taser shooting is prompting an independent review by the Butler County prosecutor.

Oxford Police Chief Steve Schwein said because of the seriousness of injuries to Kevin Piskura early Saturday morning, April 19, he is asking Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper to get involved in the case.

Piskura, 24, of Chicago, was listed in critical condition Sunday, April 20, at University Hospital. He was shot Saturday during an altercation outside the Brick Street Bar on High Street.

The name of the officer who used the Taser is being withheld pending completion of the review process, police said.

Police were on patrol about 2:05 a.m. when they said they came across Steven Gene Smith fighting with the bouncers, who were trying to escort him outside Brick Street.

Piskura joined the fray after police attempted to arrest Smith, according to police.

Police said an officer warned both men multiple times to quit fighting or the Taser would be used. While Smith complied, Piskura continued fighting, authorities said.

The officer then used the Taser once against Piskura, hitting him in the chest, according to the police.

Piskura then fell to the ground and was handcuffed, authorities said. Police said they noticed he was having trouble breathing while assessing his condition and he was taken by the Oxford Life Squad to McCullough-Hyde Hospital.

He was treated there and then later flown to University Hospital.

Smith was charged with disorderly conduct for fighting and released on his own recognizance.

Oxford Police Chief Steve Schwein said witness statements have been obtained and initial interviews conducted. This information will be used as part of the internal review of the use of force, which is standard in all departmental actions involving actual uses of force or displays of force, according to police.

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