SAN FRANCISCO — A Montara man walking two lapdogs off leash was hit with an electric-shock gun by a National Park Service ranger after allegedly giving a false name and trying to walk away, authorities said Monday.
The park ranger encountered Gary Hesterberg with his two small dogs Sunday afternoon at Rancho Corral de Tierra, which was recently incorporated into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, said Howard Levitt, a spokesman for the park service.
Hesterberg, who said he didn’t have identification with him, allegedly gave the ranger a false name, Levitt said.
The ranger, who wasn’t identified, asked Hesterberg to remain at the scene, Levitt said. He tried several times to leave, and finally the ranger “pursued him a little bit and she did deploy her” electric-shock weapon, Levitt said. “That did stop him.”
San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies and paramedics then arrived and Hesterberg gave his real name, the park spokesman said.
Hesterberg, whose age was not available, was arrested on suspicion of failing to obey a lawful order, having dogs off-leash and knowingly providing false information, Levitt said.
He was then released. He did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Witnesses said the use of a stun gun and the arrest seemed excessive for someone walking two small dogs off leash.
“It was really scary,” said Michelle Babcock, who said she had seen the incident as she and her husband were walking their two border collies. “I just felt so bad for him.”
Babcock said Hesterberg had repeatedly asked the ranger why he was being detained. She didn’t answer him, Babcock said.
“He just tried to walk away. She never gave him a reason,” Babcock said.
The ranger shot Hesterberg in the back with her shock weapon as he walked off, Babcock said.
“We were like in disbelief,” she said. “It didn’t make any sense.”
Rancho Corral de Tierra has long been an off-leash walking spot for local dog owners. In December, the area became part of the national park system, which requires that all dogs be on a leash, Levitt said.
The ranger was trying to educate residents of the rule, Levitt said.
The park service is investigating the incident, he said.
Wow. Give someone a little authority and it goes to her head. Perhaps more thorough screening for violent tendencies, control issues and power tripping is in order. The ‘officer’ was a little too gun happy and not the right temperment for the job. Are we hiring goons as security types? We could call it the Pyke syndrom( the guard who pepper sprayed peaceful protestors last year). Get serious Frisco. 2 little dogs off-leash means use of a stun gun?
WHY do people insist on ignoring the very simple commands an officer gives them? All of this could have been avoided, had he not been so arrogant as to ignore a basic request of the ranger. And let’s not forget he lied to the park ranger as well. I refuse to feel sorry for anyone who feels the rules do not have to apply to them.
so what!!!! it is not written in a book anywhere that says you HAVE TO GIVE YOUR REAL NAME OR ADDRESS TO ANYONE UNLESS YOU ARE CHARGED WITH SOMETHING!!!!!!!!! READ THE LAW PEOPLE !!!!! AND STOP giving up your rights and liberties to people who hold a #@*&%$# JOB!!!!!
Is this a joke? You’re saying it’s legal to give false information to an officer?!?!
since when is it a crime to walk your dogs or not have your wallet on you. It is the plight of the law enforcer to state what that person is being stopped for and why!!!! If she gave no reason then he has every right to walk away without incident!!!
this is so crazy, I would sue the officer for using excessive force…sounds like the officer is a real idiot and is on a power trip
I know this is going against everyone else here, but I’m sorry I’m glad she tased him and only wish other people who insist on ignoring leash laws would get the same. Off leash dogs cause huge problems for the law abiding people who have their dogs on leashes. And actually it is a law to have ID on you at all times, look it up.
What? It’s a law to have ID? You’re a damn retard!
Please provide the law that requires ID at all times. I am from PA and I know that I must have my driver’s license with me when driving and a photo ID when I ask for the privilege of cashing a check, etc. I worked in law enforcement for 25 years and never heard of a law requiring ID at all times. That sounds more like Nazi Germany than the US.
PPower trip or what?! Thats not how you educate people about rules! God almighty,he wasnt selling crack to little kids,He had his dogs off leash,big deal!
Yes it’s a god way now even I in Sweden know it. 😉
Seriously what is wrong with some people, she must have other problem as-well.