kupchurch@heraldsun.com; 419-6612
DURHAM -- Taser sales to civilians have shot up nearly fivefold in the past year at World Net Enterprises Inc., which sells security devices at its online shopping sites and has a brick-and-mortar store in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
David Finley, founder and CEO of the business, said he's selling about 150 Tasers to the public each month, compared to about 30-40 a month at this time last year.
"Many customers are often desperate, saying 'I need protection for my family,'" Finley said, adding that he also sells many of the weapons to bounty hunters.
Finley's company operates 11 online shopping sites, three of which sells Tasers.
Prices range from $299.99 to $349.99 for the Taser C2, which delivers 50,000 volts, the same as those used in the military and in law enforcement, he said.
"It knocks the fight out of them," he said.
Finley said 43 states, including North Carolina, allow civilians to buy Tasers, but buyers must be at least 18 and undergo a criminal background check, which is done by calling a toll-free number after the weapon is purchased.
"If they find they haven't committed a felony, it can be activated," Finley said. "Then they walk them through some steps to activate it."
Whenever the Taser is fired, a cartridge sends out tags with serial numbers that can be traced to the owner, providing another safeguard to illegal or irresponsible use of the weapon, he said.
Finley said nearly as many women as men are buying Tasers, which have a range of up to 15 feet.
A Web site video says the weapon can penetrate two inches of clothing. It delivers a 50,000-volt shock for 30 seconds, immobilizing the target, and it takes an estimated one to five minutes for the person to recover.
