Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*
Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol
Already have an account?
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Mark Steil
Worthington, Minn.

Charges: Cop shocked wife, 6 others with Taser at Christmas party

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

A family gathering last Christmas has resulted in a gross misedmeanor charge over a Taser incident for a Worthington police officer.

During the get-together at officer Joshua McCuen's home, court documents allege that several relatives said they wanted to know what it felt like to be shocked with a taser.

The officer retrieved his department-issued Taser from another room. He then used the device on seven people including his wife; shocking them either on the shoulder or back of the thigh, according to charges. That allegedly constituted an unauthorized use of an electronic incapacitation device.

The 35-year-old officer's first court appearance is set for June 2. He faces a maximum penalty of a year in prison and $3,000 fine.

Worthington Police Chief Troy Appel said in a statement that he does not take the allegations lightly and the unauthorized use of a taser is strictly prohibited by state statute and department policy. Besides the criminal charge, Appel said, McCuen may also face department disciplinary measures.

McCuen has been place on administrative leave.