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Mall manager known for Taser banned from contacting alleged victim

ATLANTA — A downtown Atlanta mall manager known for shocking people with a Taser is out of a job and facing charges.

Darien Long worked at the downtown Metro Mall for more than a year. He became known for posting videos that showed him using his Taser against people who refused to leave mall property. He would record the incidents with cameras on his vest and head.

On Thursday, he was arrested after a confrontation with a man he said was trespassing. A witness said Long tried but was unable to pull out his Taser.

"That's why he was trying to tase him, because he was getting, the boy was getting the best of the security guard," witness Erica Webster said.

Police said they charged Long with battery after video from inside the mall showed he was the aggressor, running and tackling the other man.

The next morning, a judge made Long promise not to make contact with the alleged victim. Channel 2's Linda Stouffer was at the Fulton County Jail when Long made his first court appearance.

"Did your lawyers explain what no further contact means?" the judge asked.

"I understand the conditions, sir," Long responded. 

The judge set his bond at $2,000. His lawyers also requested a probable cause hearing, which is now set for April 4.