Key Takeaways
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the death of 18-year-old Logan Smith, who was fatally hit by a car on the M5 motorway in Somerset after being tasered by a police officer.
- The incident occurred when Smith, who was being taken to hospital in an ambulance, got out of the vehicle and entered the live lanes of the motorway.
- The IOPC is investigating the actions and decisions taken by Avon and Somerset Police prior to Smith’s death, including the use of a Taser.
- The watchdog has taken initial accounts from the officer and ambulance staff involved and has met with Smith’s family to provide condolences and explain their role in the investigation.
Introduction to the Incident
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has launched an investigation into the death of a teenager who was fatally hit by a car on the M5 motorway in Somerset. The incident occurred on Sunday at around 11pm, when 18-year-old Logan Smith was being taken to hospital in an ambulance. The vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder of the motorway due to concerns raised by the ambulance staff, and Smith got out of the ambulance and entered the live lanes of the motorway. This led to a police officer being called to the scene, and bodycam footage shows the officer discharging their Taser, causing Smith to fall to the ground.
The Incident Unfolds
Soon after the Taser was discharged, Smith was struck by a car traveling on the southbound carriageway. The IOPC has stated that it is investigating the actions and decisions taken by Avon and Somerset Police prior to Smith’s death, including the use of a Taser. The watchdog has emphasized that it will independently investigate all the circumstances surrounding the incident, and has already begun gathering evidence. This includes taking initial accounts from the officer and ambulance staff involved, as well as reviewing bodycam footage of the incident. The IOPC has also met with Smith’s family to provide condolences and explain their role in the investigation, and has requested that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.
Investigation and Next Steps
The IOPC has informed the coroner of the incident, and formal identification and a post-mortem have taken place. The investigation is ongoing, and the watchdog will continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The IOPC Director, Derrick Campbell, has expressed his sympathies to Smith’s family and friends, and has reassured them that the investigation will be thorough and independent. The use of a Taser in the incident has raised questions about the actions of the police officer involved, and the IOPC will be examining this aspect of the incident closely. The investigation will also look at the decisions made by the ambulance staff and the police officer in the lead-up to the incident, and will aim to establish a clear timeline of events.
Conclusion and Implications
The death of Logan Smith is a tragic incident that has raised serious questions about the actions of the police and the use of Tasers. The IOPC investigation will be crucial in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident and determining whether the actions of the police officer and ambulance staff were appropriate. The incident highlights the need for careful consideration and caution when dealing with individuals in crisis, and the importance of ensuring that the use of force is proportionate and necessary. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, and will have implications for police practices and procedures in the future. The IOPC’s investigation will provide a detailed and independent examination of the incident, and will help to provide answers for Smith’s family and the wider community.
