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Strange Stories: Sword Wielder
Description
We discuss the use of deadly (not fatal) force by Lt. Douglas Itjen on the sword-wielding Connor Darpino, in his Wayne, NJ home in February 2025. Darpino threatened to stab officers with two antique swords while he was overdrugged on Xanax.
CW | TW: This episode discusses a purported mental health crisis, rules of deadly (and other use of force directives), and weapons, specifically swords and guns. Profanity likely included. Listener discretion is advised.
Email: severedpodcast@gmail.com
Website: severedpodcast.com
Instagram: @severed_podcast
Hosts: Harry Chambers + Drew Hudson
Logo Art: Drew Hudson
Theme Song Composer | Podcast Editor: Harry Chambers
Show Concept | Researcher | Lead Writer: Drew Hudson
Sources
News Clip: Man Armed with Two Swords Shot by Police in New Jersey (ABC 7 Eyewitness News)
Manual: NJ Use of Force Policy (nj.gov)
Article: “Alprazolam Tablets” (Cleveland Clinic; my.clevelandclinic.org)
Article: “Officials ID Sword-Wielding Man, Wayne Officer Involved in Shooting” by Michelle Rotuno-Johnson (Wayne Patch News; patch.com)
Article: “Can Xanax Make You Angry?” (White Light Behavioral Health; whitelightbh.com)
Article: “Sword-Carrying N.J. Man Shot By Cop in His Home Plans to Sue Police” by Anthony G. Attrino (NJ.com)
Article: “Officials Release Bodycam Video from Police Shooting in Wayne” by Matt Trapani (News 12 New Jersey; newjersey.news12.com)
Article: “Attorney Investigates Civil Claims About Wayne Police After Shooting of Sword-Wielding Man” by Manahil Ahmad (NorthJersey.com; republished by Yahoo! News)