A man has died in police custody in Tauranga overnight.
Police say the man had been tasered moments before his arrest after allegedly attempting to flee and ramming a police vehicle in Mount Manganui.
In a statement today, Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Will Loughrin said police first observed a vehicle of interest at 12.32am, which was linked to a man they were looking for.
The vehicle was monitored as it travelled through Mount Maunganui before stopping on Kaniere St.
Police said the driver exited the vehicle and allegedly attempted to flee on foot before getting back into the car and ramming a police vehicle in an attempt to leave the scene.
“A Taser and OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) spray were deployed during the arrest,” Loughrin said.
The man was then transported to the Tauranga police station, where he became unresponsive during the journey.
Loughrin said police requested medical assistance immediately, with an ambulance dispatched at about 12.42am.
Officers began CPR before ambulance staff took over on arrival.
Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Will Loughrin. Photo / Mike Scott
Loughrin said the man was pronounced dead shortly before 1.45am.
Police notified the man’s family.
Loughrin said a critical incident investigation had been launched, and the Independent Police Conduct Authority had been notified, which was standard procedure in cases of this nature.
WorkSafe had also been advised.
Police said a number of inquiries were underway to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the man’s death, with scene examinations continuing.
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