A Plainview father is accused of using a Taser on his 14-year-old autistic son, and it was a middle-school principal who set the case in motion. Police say Jin Chang, 52, turned the stun device on the boy during an emotional outburst at the family home in an attempt to control him. Chang has been arrested and charged, and the investigation is still open.
According to Patch, the principal of a Plainview middle school called police to report the autistic student's injuries. Police said the boy had scratches and marks on his neck and stomach. The Taser was removed from the home where the father, son and other family members live.
Arrest and Charges
Per Daily Voice, Chang was arrested on Monday, Oct. 26. Police said the incident occurred that same night at 9:45 p.m. in Plainview, as LongIsland.com relays.
Chang is charged with second-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. On the weapons count, New York's Penal Law § 265.01 lists an electronic dart gun or electronic stun gun among the weapons covered by the fourth-degree possession offense.
Arraignment and Bail
Chang was arraigned on Wednesday at First District Court in Hempstead, and police said the investigation is ongoing. The New York Post reports that Chang pleaded not guilty.
The Post lists three alternative forms of bail: $50,000 cash, a $125,000 bond or a $250,000 partially secured bond.
Police have not released the boy's name, and the case remains in its earliest stage, with no court disposition yet.
