I'm sure he had mace, if not a taser. As it so happens, I've seen what a steam iron can do to a person. It's not pretty, true, but I'd hardly consider it a "deadly" weapon.
How many people have been rendered dead with one? I can't find an example of it happening, but I'll keep looking. I'm sure there is someone out there that has, somewhere.
Should the kid have surrendered. Well, of course, but last time I checked, it was pretty common for 15 year olds to do idiotic things.
It's also
common for police officers to use excessive force on people who pose little real threat to them or others.
It's also common for the police to be called to non-violent domestic disbutes. Don't worry, though. I'm sure she'll think twice before calling them again, for anything.