Mitchell man Steven Lee Nixon-McKellar died following an altercation with police in Toowoomba

The Ethical Standards Command has been called in after a Mitchell man died following an altercation with police in Toowoomba. Here’s what we know so far:

The Ethical Standards Command is investigating the death of a 28-year-old Mitchell man following a ‘violent’ altercation with Toowoomba police officers. Picture: Jeremy Piper

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned the following article contains images of the deceased.

The Ethical Standards Command is investigating the death of a 28-year-old Mitchell man Steven Lee Nixon-McKellar following a ‘violent’ altercation with Toowoomba police officers.

Steven Nixon-McKellar died in custody following an incident with Toowoomba on October 7, 2021. Picture: Supplied

Assistant Commissioner for the Southern Region Mike Condon said at 12.25pm on Thursday, October 7, officers were called to investigate a group of people acting suspiciously in a stolen car.

“Police attempted to restrain the occupants of the vehicle,” he said.

Mr Condon said two people fled the scene and a struggle broke out between Mr Nixon-McKellar and officers.

“During an altercation with police (the Mitchell man) became unconscious,” he said.

“I would suggest that there was a violent struggle, (and) would suggest they were fleeing from the scene as they were in a stolen vehicle.

“Police imminently provided first aid, QAS attended shortly after and continued to provide first aid but sadly (he) passed away.

“On behalf of the QPS I express my condolences to the family.”

Two officers were transported to hospital with minor injuries.

Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon speaking at a press confrence in Toowoomba. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The scene was cordoned off for forensics in preparation for the lead investigators of the case, the Ethical Standards Command.

The command is a QPS division task to uphold and promote ethical behaviour, discipline and the professional practice of officers.

The Crime and Corruption Commission and State Coroner will also be looking into the incident.

The coroner has to legally be informed when a death occurs in custody or as a result of a police operation.
According to Statista data during the first nine months of 2021, five Indigenous people died in custody across Australia.

An indigenous flag in front of signs of First Nations people who have died in custody is seen during a Black Death in Custody Rally at Town Hall in Sydney in early 2021, 30 years since the royal commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody handed down its final report. At least 474 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have died in custody since then. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

“In 2015, a total of 23 indigenous Australians died in custody in Australia, this was the highest number of deaths in a single year between 2008 and April 2021,” reported Statista.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still disproportionately represented in the justice system and have poorer health outcomes.

“This disparity has been recognized by contemporary Australian governments… however, to this day there remains a large gap in equality experienced by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.”

Police are appealing for members of the community to come forward with CCTV footage of the incident.