Key Takeaways:
- Logan Smith, an 18-year-old teenager, was Tasered by police and hit by a car on the M5 motorway in Somerset after exiting an ambulance on the hard shoulder.
- The incident occurred on November 30, and an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death.
- The IOPC has taken initial accounts from the officer and ambulance staff involved and has met with Smith’s family to provide condolences and explain the investigation process.
- The use of a Taser by the police officer is being investigated, and the coroner has been informed, with a postmortem having taken place.
- Avon and Somerset police have expressed their support for Smith’s family and are providing welfare arrangements for their staff and members of the public who were involved in or witnessed the incident.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on the M5 motorway in Somerset, where an 18-year-old teenager, Logan Smith, was being transported to the hospital in an ambulance. However, the ambulance pulled over to the hard shoulder of the northbound carriageway due to concerns raised by the paramedics. Smith then exited the ambulance and walked onto the live lanes of the motorway, prompting the paramedics to call for assistance from Avon and Somerset police. An officer arrived at the scene shortly after, and the events that unfolded resulted in Smith’s tragic death.
The Police Response and Use of Taser
According to the IOPC, body-worn video footage shows that the officer attempted to engage with Smith before discharging a Taser, which caused Smith to fall to the ground. Unfortunately, Smith was then hit by a car traveling along the southbound carriageway and died at the scene, despite receiving emergency first aid. The IOPC has stated that they will independently investigate all the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the use of the Taser. The director of the IOPC, Derrick Campbell, expressed his sympathies to Smith’s family and friends, reassuring them that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
Investigation and Response from Authorities
The IOPC has begun gathering evidence and has taken initial accounts from the officer and ambulance staff involved in the incident. They have also met with Smith’s family to provide condolences and explain the investigation process. The coroner has been informed, and a postmortem has taken place. Avon and Somerset police have stated that the on-duty officer had attempted to bring Smith to safety to reduce the risk to him and other members of the public. The police have also expressed their support for Smith’s family and are providing welfare arrangements for their staff and members of the public who were involved in or witnessed the incident.
Support and Welfare Arrangements
The incident has had a significant impact on the officers and ambulance crews involved, who are understandably upset by what happened. Avon and Somerset police are making sure that the appropriate welfare arrangements are in place for their staff and also for those members of the public who were either directly involved or who witnessed the incident. The police have also made a mandatory referral to the IOPC, which has begun an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death. The police have stated that they will fully cooperate with the investigation and provide support to Smith’s family in any way they can.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in emergency situations. The IOPC’s investigation will aim to determine the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death and whether the use of the Taser was justified. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in providing closure for Smith’s family and in identifying any lessons that can be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future. The support and welfare arrangements being provided by the police and other authorities are essential in helping those affected by the incident to cope with the aftermath. As the investigation continues, it is essential to remember the tragic loss of life and the impact it has had on Smith’s family and the community.
