Cincinnati police have opened an investigation after an officer used a Taser on an 11-year-old for allegedly stealing from a supermarket.

Police say the incident happened around 9.30pm Monday at a Kroger store in Cincinnati. Authorities say the officer suspected the girl was using a backpack to shoplift when he approached her. Police say the girl resisted and fled before she was shocked with a Taser stun gun.

The girl was taken to Cincinnati children’s hospital and released to a guardian.

Police have charged the girl with theft and obstruction of justice.

Cincinnati police chief Eliot Isaac has opened an investigation. According to the department’s policy, Tasers can be used on people who are at least seven years old.

“We are extremely concerned when force is used by one of our officers on a child of this age,” Isaac said, according to Cincinnati.com. “As a result, we will be taking a very thorough review of our policies as it relates to using force on juveniles as well as the propriety of the officer’s actions.”

“There needs to be a complete investigation,” said Christopher Smitherman, vice-mayor and chairman of the council’s law and public safety committee. “It’s hard to understand why an 11-year-old would be tased. I expect answers in 24 hours.”

The officer, whose name was not released, has reportedly been placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of the investigation.