If the guy was on heroin (yes, it wasn't mentioned if it was in his system), then he wouldn't feel pain, but "acting fidgety", would explain his nervousness when holding in front of a cop. 
Tasers won't work if the probes (the ends look exactly like fishhooks), don't contact the skin. Bums generally wear layers to keep warm so that makes sense. Lastly batons can be used as levers to get someone to let go, or to unlock arms, legs...you don't need to bash someone with a baton.
The fact this guy is alive tells me APD used extraordinary restraint. Anywhere else? Putting your hands in your pockets might get you shot, reaching into your backpack almost certainly will as will attempting to spray a cop and going after his sidearm.
Yeah, he's lucky. Cop'll be okay, OC is the gift that keeps on giving though....