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Man falls face-first onto concrete after Sanford officers shoot him with Taser

SANFORD, Fla. — Two officers from the Sanford Police Department are under investigation after a man wound up in the hospital after being shot with a Taser during his arrest on Sunday.

Investigators said officers attempted to arrest 57-year-old Samuel Fuller for gambling in the streets, but he took off running.

The officers shot Fuller with a Taser during his arrest, but they said he fell to the ground face-first and had to be hospitalized.

Fuller said he doesn't remember much, but he claims he wasn't gambling and was simply on his way home from the grocery store Sunday. He said that's the last thing he remembers before waking up in the hospital.

"When I woke up, I was in here with tubes. That's all I remember," he said.

Fuller's face and hands are covered in bandages after Sunday's encounter on 15th Street.

Attorney Shayan Modarres argues the injuries aren't consistent with a fall.

"Common sense will tell you that these injuries don't result from just falling on pavement," said Modarres. "This was an attack."

Fuller was bleeding so profusely that he had to go to intensive care, officials said.

Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said an internal investigation has been launched.

"Because of the times and the circumstances we're in right now, it's important to vet out to make sure there is no concern," said Smith.

Smith went on to say that witnesses back up the officers' story.

"The worst thing we can have happen now is people don't trust the police department, they don't trust the chief, they don't believe what the chief is saying," said Smith.

"What am I going to run for?" said Fuller. "I ain't did nothing. I'm coming from the store."

Fuller has not been charged with any crime, but Sanford police expect to arrest him after he gets out of the hospital on charges that include resisting arrest, battery on an officer and carrying a concealed weapon. Officers said Fuller had a pair of brass knuckles on him.