A security guard has been arrested after allegedly firing a Taser at point-blank range into a patron's face outside a Carlsbad, California sports bar. David Marquez, 42, a security guard at Park 101, was taken into custody on Wednesday.
The incident, captured on video, shows Marquez in uniform firing the stun gun at a shirtless patron. The prongs of the Taser appeared to latch onto the man's face as he fell to his knees in apparent pain. The video does not indicate if any warning was given before the Taser was deployed.
Marquez was subsequently arrested and charged with suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and assault with a stun gun. Police escorted him out of the establishment after the incident.
Pete Chich, a co-owner of Park 101, described the act as "deeply disturbing" and stated that it does not align with the establishment's values, emphasizing that guest safety is a priority. Chich also noted that Marquez was hired through a third-party company providing additional security for World Cup events. The bar has since terminated its contract with the vendor and Marquez is no longer employed at the venue.
Another co-owner, identified only as Rob, confirmed that the establishment is cooperating with officials in their investigation. Marquez is scheduled to appear in court on July 2.
The incident has drawn reactions on social media, with users expressing shock and disapproval of the security guard's actions.