WSP trooper Tasers driver

A Washington State Patrol trooper fired a Taser at a Spokane driver Friday evening during a downtown traffic stop after he said the man exited the car and approached him in a threatening manner.

Trooper Jerry Wier pulled the vehicle over about 8:50 p.m. near Third Avenue and Sherman Street. The driver pulled to the back of a secluded parking lot, said Mark Baker, a WSP public information officer.

“Both the driver and the passenger got out cussing and swearing at Trooper Wier and being very aggressive,” said Baker, who added that Wier drew his gun and pointed it at the pair, ordering them to stop approaching him and to get on the ground.

“They said, ‘Go ahead and shoot me,’ ” Baker said. At that time Wier lowered his gun and drew his Taser, again warning the pair.

When the driver advanced to within 20 feet of him, Wier fired the Taser, hitting the man, Baker said. The passenger then complied with Wier’s orders.

The driver of the car, 45-year-old Lavern O. Ellsworth, was arrested on charges of felony DUI, resisting arrest and driving with a suspended license. Baker said it would be Ellsworth’s fifth DUI conviction in five years if he is found guilty.

The passenger, 21-year-old Michael S. Arnoux, was arrested on a charge of obstructing justice.

Baker said that Wier acted in accordance with WSP policy on Taser use, avoiding lethal use of force.