A bouncer in Carlsbad, California, was arrested Wednesday evening after video captured him deploying a taser into a man's face at point-blank range. The incident occurred outside Park 101 on Carlsbad Boulevard shortly before 8:30 p.m.
The footage shows the security guard, identified as 42-year-old David Marquez of San Marcos, aiming the stun gun inches from the shirtless man's face before firing. The man fell to the ground, appearing to writhe in pain, while bystanders approached to offer assistance. The victim was subsequently transported to a trauma center for treatment of his injuries, though their severity remains unclear.
Marquez was booked into the Vista County jail on two felony charges: assault with a deadly weapon and assault with a stun gun. The Carlsbad Police Department confirmed their officers responded to an altercation between a security guard and a patron and that Marquez's arrest was based on suspicion of these charges. The department stated the incident is under investigation, and they are reviewing all available evidence.
Representatives for Park 101 stated that the individual involved is no longer employed at the venue and that the establishment is terminating its relationship with the security vendor. In a statement, a co-owner of Park 101 described the video as "deeply disturbing" and said the actions depicted do not represent the venue. The establishment also affirmed its commitment to guest safety and its full cooperation with the police investigation, in addition to conducting its own internal review of security protocols.
Taser deployment, particularly to the head, is known to carry risks of brain-related complications. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities yet to release further details.