An 18-year-old man who exited an ambulance on the M5 motorway was Tasered by police before being struck and killed by a car, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed.
Logan Smith was being taken to hospital when the ambulance pulled over on the northbound hard shoulder near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, because paramedics were concerned. He then left the vehicle and walked into live traffic lanes shortly before 11pm on 30 November.
Paramedics called Avon and Somerset Police, and an officer arrived minutes later. Body-worn video footage shows the officer attempted to engage with Smith before deploying a Taser, causing him to fall. He was then hit by a car travelling southbound and died at the scene despite emergency first aid.
IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: 'My thoughts and sympathies are with Logan’s family and friends and everyone affected by this shocking and tragic incident. We want to reassure everyone that we will independently investigate all the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the use of a Taser.'
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall of Avon and Somerset Police said: 'Our thoughts are with the man’s family at such a devastating time. We will support them in any way we can.' The force made a mandatory referral to the IOPC, which has begun an independent investigation.
