Man Wields 'Star Wars' Lightsaber to Attack Toys 'R' Us Shoppers
What would win in a duel? A lightsaber or a Taser? Keep your answer in mind as you read the story below.
Police arrested David Canterbury outside a Portland, Ore. Toys "R" Us on Wednesday night after he attempted to start his very own Clone War. The lightsaber attack left no casualties, though three shoppers were hit.
The 33-year-old man tried for a quick getaway but was confronted by police. He violently swung his lightsaber while yelling incoherent statements.
Officers responded with their Tasers, according to a police press release. But The Force rendered the first attempt ineffective. The second was more successful, but David Canterbury broke the wires free with his lightsaber.
Less sophisticated means were then used to end the light saber attack -- police tackled Canterbury to the ground.
He's been cited for assault, disorderly conduct and theft. But it looks like the charges may not stick.
Portland police immediately brought the faux Jedi to the hospital for a mental evaluation. While he may have been speaking Galactic Basic, chances are he was yelling in gibberish.
If David Canterbury suffers from a mental illness or had a momentary psychotic break, he may not be legally liable for his crimes. But if the lightsaber attack was induced by drugs or alcohol, he'll still be on the hook.
Since we aren't privy to the evaluation results, let's get back to the question at hand. It would seem that a lightsaber -- even a plastic one -- is highly effective against a Taser.
Related Resources:
- Oregon man held after Star Wars light saber attack at Toys R Us (Los Angeles Times)
- Insanity Defense (FindLaw)
- Drugged up 'Jedi Master' Sentenced in Savage Beating (FindLaw's Legally Weird)