Man, 18, hit by car on motorway was Tasered before death

Man, 18, hit by car on motorway was Tasered before death

An 18-year-old man lost his life after exiting an ambulance on a motorway and subsequently being Tasered by police, before he was struck by a vehicle, according to the police watchdog. Logan Smith, a resident of Weston-super-Mare, died on the northbound carriageway of the M5 in North Somerset late on Sunday evening.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reported that paramedics, concerned about Mr. Smith’s condition, stopped the ambulance on the motorway’s hard shoulder. When Mr. Smith stepped onto the carriageway, the police were called. Bodycam footage captured an officer deploying a Taser, which caused Mr. Smith to fall to the ground where he was then hit by a passing car.

Emergency first aid was administered at the scene, but Mr. Smith was pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination has taken place, and an inquest is planned. The IOPC has initiated a formal investigation into the conduct and decisions made by Avon and Somerset Police leading up to the incident.

Derrick Campbell, director of the IOPC, expressed condolences to Mr. Smith’s family, friends, and others impacted by the tragedy. He assured the public that all circumstances surrounding the event, including the use of the Taser, will be thoroughly and independently examined. Initial statements have already been collected from the officer involved and the ambulance personnel.

The IOPC met with Mr. Smith’s family to offer their sympathies and to explain the investigative process, particularly regarding the Taser discharge. Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall acknowledged the profound effect the incident has had on officers and paramedics involved. She stated that the force is providing support both to Mr. Smith’s family and to their staff, as well as to members of the public who witnessed or were involved in the event

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