An 18-year-old teenager, Logan Smith from Weston-super-Mare, was Tasered by a police officer on the M5 in Somerset shortly before he was fatally struck by a vehicle. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is investigating Avon and Somerset Police’s actions leading up to the tragic incident on Sunday, November 30.
Logan was being transported to hospital in an ambulance when concerns from ambulance staff prompted the vehicle to stop on the hard shoulder of the northbound M5 just after 11 pm. Logan exited the ambulance near the Weston-super-Mare junction and entered the live lanes of the motorway, prompting ambulance staff to call police for assistance.
A single officer arrived, and according to body-worn camera footage viewed by the IOPC, attempted to engage with Logan before discharging a Taser. The use of the Taser caused Logan to fall to the ground. Moments later, he was struck by a car traveling along the southbound carriageway.
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Despite emergency first aid at the scene, Logan sadly died. The IOPC has launched an independent investigation into the circumstances, including the justification for Taser deployment.
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell said, “Our thoughts are with Logan’s family and friends. We are committed to thoroughly reviewing all aspects of this incident, including police conduct and medical responses.”
The investigators have taken initial statements from involved officers and ambulance staff and have met with Logan’s family to offer condolences and explain the ongoing process. The coroner has been notified, and a post-mortem examination has been conducted.
The IOPC continues to gather evidence as part of its independent inquiry into the events surrounding Logan’s death.