An Avon and Somerset Police officer who used a Taser on a teenager moments before he was hit and killed by a car on the M5 motorway is under investigation for misconduct.
Incident Details
Logan Smith, 18, from Weston-super-Mare, was being transported to hospital in an ambulance on the evening of November 30 last year when concerns about the paramedics onboard forced the vehicle to pull over onto the hard shoulder of the northbound carriageway.
The teenager then exited the ambulance and entered the live lanes of the motorway. Ambulance staff called police for assistance, and an officer rushed to the scene. The officer deployed a Taser, causing Logan to fall to the ground. Moments later, he was struck by a passing vehicle and died from multiple injuries, as confirmed by an inquest on January 8.
Misconduct Investigation
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a misconduct investigation to determine whether the officer's actions, including the use of the Taser, were proportionate and reasonable, and whether relevant training and policies were followed.
An IOPC spokesperson said: 'An allegation of misconduct relates to behaviour that, if proven, may lead to disciplinary action such as a final written warning. It would not result in a sanction of dismissal. The potential misconduct we have identified is in relation to the officer's decision to use their Taser. It is also alleged the officer failed to carry out a pre-discharge check of their Taser, as required under Avon and Somerset Police protocol. So far, our enquiries show the Taser functioned normally when discharged.'
The misconduct notice will be kept under review and does not necessarily mean that any disciplinary proceedings will follow.
IOPC Statement
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell said: 'Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Logan's family and friends. We understand the profound impact losing Logan has had on his loved ones and we want to reassure everyone that we are carrying out a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances leading to his death.'
'As part of our investigation we have commissioned a report from an independent Taser expert. We have shared that report with Logan's family and Avon and Somerset Police and we are considering its findings as part of our final determinations. We continue to update Logan's family, the force and the coroner on the progress of our investigation.'
Tributes to Logan
Following his death, tributes were paid online. One person wrote: 'RIP Logan, going to miss you, thank you for being there for me throughout the years, you will be remembered.' Another added: 'Rest in peace Logan, you will be missed lil bro, heartbroken is an understatement.' A third said: 'R.I.P Logan I didn't know you well, but we had some good times. You're in a better place, and we will all do you proud.' Another tribute read: 'RIP Logan, taken far too soon. Thoughts are with your family and friends.'
