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Teenage Graffiti Artist Dies After Being Tasered by Miami Police

HeadlineAug 09, 2013

A Miami Beach police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave after he fatally shot an 18-year-old graffiti artist with a taser. The teenager, Israel Hernandez, was an award-winning artist whose work had been exhibited locally. The police officer, Jorge Mercado, began chasing Hernandez after he saw the artist spray-painting his tag on a boarded-up McDonald’s storefront. Hernandez, who was born in Colombia, was reportedly shot after a 10-minute chase. According to witnesses, the police officers involved in the chase celebrated after they trapped and tased Hernandez by slapping each other with high-fives as the teenager lay dying in the street. Hernandez’ high school art teacher Frank O’Hare said: “In my 20 years as an art teacher, Israel was one of the most unique and talented students I have ever encountered.” Hernandez’ parents are calling for an independent investigation into his death.

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