An 18-year-old man died after being Tasered by police and then struck by a car on the M5 motorway in Somerset, the police watchdog has confirmed. Logan Smith had left an ambulance on the hard shoulder and walked into live traffic lanes.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said paramedics had stopped the ambulance near junction 21 for Weston-super-Mare at about 11pm on 30 November because they were concerned for Smith's welfare. He then got out and walked onto the carriageway.
Avon and Somerset Police were called, and an officer arrived shortly afterwards. Body-worn video footage shows the officer attempting to engage with Smith before deploying a Taser, causing him to fall. He was then hit by a car travelling on the southbound side and died at the scene despite emergency first aid.
IOPC director Derrick Campbell expressed condolences to Smith's family and said the investigation would cover all circumstances, including the use of the Taser. Investigators have taken initial accounts from the officer and ambulance staff and met with the family.
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said the force was supporting Smith's family and the officers and ambulance crews affected. A mandatory referral was made to the IOPC, which has launched an independent investigation.
