Source : Perth Now news
South Australia’s Police Commissioner has issued a public statement following the death of a 44-year-old man who was tasered during an incident in the state’s mid-north region.
The man, 44, was allegedly armed with a metal pole and threatening people, causing damage to property and making violent threats to the public along Opie St in Clare.
Officers deployed a taser in an effort to apprehend him.
However, following the deployment, the man became unresponsive and died at the scene – despite attempts at first aid from officers and subsequent treatment from paramedics.
The incident is set to be subject to a police standards investigation and a Police Commissioners Inquiry will be carried out.
But Grant Stevens, the state’s police commissioner, has defended the taser use having studied video footage from the scene.
“I am satisfied that a preliminary view of the body worn video shows that the officers acted appropriately and within general orders,” he said on Tuesday.
“Having viewed the body worn video, it is clear the responding officers were confronted by an agitated man behaving in a threatening and aggressive manner.
“This person was also threatening an elderly man and woman.”
The incident has rocked the local community, with Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council mayor Allan Aughey telling ABC he felt “very troubled” by it.
“The body worn video highlights the professionalism and courage of the police and their efforts to ensure the safety of all present, including the male causing the disturbance,” Mr Stevens added.
“I would also like to acknowledge the assistance a member of the public provided to the police in their efforts to restrain the man.’’
SA Police have said the incident has not been referred to either the Office for Public Integrity or the independent Commissioner Against Corruption.
Meanwhile, a file will be prepared for the state coroner regarding the man’s death.
