Oxford News

OXFORD — A man who was stunned with a Taser by Oxford police this weekend has died, according to the Oxford Police Department.

Kevin Piskura, 24, of Chicago, died late Thursday afternoon, April 24, at University Hospital in Cincinnati. Piskura's death comes five days after he was struck with a Taser early Saturday, April 19, when he allegedly interfered with the arrest of a friend who was in a fight at the Brick Street bar on High Street.

The family issued a statement thanking people for their support, and asking for their privacy to be respected as they grieve.

"Today, we lost a son, a brother, a family member and a friend. The medical staff and everyone here at University Hospital were heroic in their efforts to save Kevin, and for that we are eternally grateful," the statement read.

Oxford police Chief Stephan Schwein declined to comment on Thursday.

Schwein earlier this week asked the Butler County Sheriff's Office to investigate the incident. Once complete, the Butler County Prosecutor's Office will review the case.

According to reports, Oxford police Officer Geoff Robinson, 27, used a Taser to subdue Piskura, a 2006 Miami University graduate, while breaking up a fight. Piskura, who fell to the ground and was handcuffed, began having trouble breathing. He was transported by ambulance to McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford and later flown by medical helicopter to University Hospital.

Schwein said Robinson is on paid administrative leave pending the investigation outcome.

The X-26 Taser video released Tuesday shows Piskura rolling

on the sidewalk while the Taser was deployed for approximately 10 seconds.

Robinson completed a required annual "refresher class" on the Taser April 12, police said.

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