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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — State health officials are investigating Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs for the use of a Taser® to subdue a patient earlier this year.

The investigation was opened when the patient complained to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Hospital officials said in a statement that "a homicidal patient" in the emergency room became physically violent and threatened the staff. The hospital says a Taser® was used "in compliance with policy and to protect the patient and care providers from being injured."

Hospital officials say the patient wasn't restrained at the time.

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