Officer Misused Taser: West Reading Police

Police Sgt. charged with illegal use of stun-gun on other officers, father

West Reading Police Sergeant Matthew R. Beighley, 35, has been charged with 9 misdeamnor counts related to his alleged illegal use of a taser.

Authorities said the investigation began last May, after Chief County Detective Michael J. Gombar was given a formal complaint and a DVD video of the alleged wrongdoing.

A West Reading Patrolman reported being assaulted by Sgt.. Beighley with a department issued taser. Investigators say the DVD included video of the alleged taser incidents.

Investigators discovered that Beighley had used the device (a Taser X26) on three people during three separate occasions.

Between May 2009 and March 22, 2011, two of the alleged incidents happened inside the West Reading Police Department while Beighley was on duty. The victims were two West Reading Police Officers.

The third alleged attack occurred in Topton, where Beighley is accused of tasing his own father.

The charges include:

  • Use or Possession of Electronic Incapacitation Device (3 misd. counts)
  • Official Oppression (3 misd. counts)
  • Harassment (3 summary counts)

On Tuesday Beighley surrendered to detectives. Bail was set at $10,000.

Beighley was first hired by the West Reading Police Department in 2000. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant last January.

The Taser X26 is an electronic control device that uses propelled wires and direct contact (drive stun) to conduct electrical energy that affects the sensory and motor functions of the nervous system. According to authorities, deployment of the device causes pain and incapacitation.

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