Wauwatosa Police Officer Taser Man During Cemetery Altercation

* (Disclaimer: This video content is intended for educational and informational purposes only) *
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin — On May 22, 2024, Wauwatosa Police Department and Fire Department were called at the Pinelawn Cemetery at 10700 West Capitol Drive, for an argument/fight between family members. Bodycam footage shows officers arriving and encountering a group of 10-12 individuals including 37-year-old Johnny George who were at the cemetery for a good portion of the day having a celebration of life for a departed loved one. Records show that at 8:38pm, the Wauwatosa Fire Dept. responded to the cemetery for a 61-year-old male, who was having a medical issue. When WFD arrived at the scene, they observed the group was disorderly and called for assistance from the Wauwatosa Police. Officer Gerstmeier arrived on the scene and approached the group, which included George. Members in the group were arguing / yelling and appeared to be intoxicated. Officer Gerstmeier attempted to talk to the group, but George was argumentative and confrontational. When Officer Gerstmeier went to grab George’s arm in an apparent effort to control him, George struggled.

George grabbed the Officer’s vest and swung at the officer, striking Officer Gerstmeier to the head. At this time Officer Matthew Martell deployed his taser towards George, which struck George to the lower back area. George fell to the ground. Officer Gerstmeier ultimately gained control of George’s arms as George was lying on his stomach. At the time, Officer Gerstmeier was positioned straddling George over his buttock area. As Officer Gerstmeier was straddling George, he had control of George’s arms behind his back until George could be handcuffed. George could be heard breathing at this time. Officer Patnode-Fonseca arrived at the scene and handcuffed George. George was then rolled onto his side and put in the seated position. Of note, George was lying on his stomach for a total of approximately 90 seconds. After George was in the seated position, officers discovered that George was not responsive. The officers immediately alerted WFD, who was still on the scene. WFD then tended to George and administered CPR. George ultimately stopped breathing. George was conveyed to Froedtert Hospital. George was discovered not to have any injuries, other than broken ribs, which were the result of CPR. George still remains non-responsive as of this date.