Man who died in Beenleigh police custody had been jailed for running down cop

A 21-year-old man who died after being taken to the Beenleigh watchhouse was previously jailed for running down a police officer in a stolen car, leaving him with horrific injuries.

A man has died after being taken into police custody at the Beenleigh watchhouse. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Walker

A young man who died after being taken to the Beenleigh watchhouse was previously jailed for running down a police officer in a stolen car, leaving him with horrific injuries.

Riley O’Brien-Faulkner was a teenager when he ran down Constable Peter McAulay in 2018.

Police released a statement this morning confirming his death in custody.

“The Queensland Police Service Ethical Standards Command is investigating the death of a man who was taken to the Beenleigh Watchhouse overnight,” the statement said.

“The 21-year-old was arrested in Logan around 5pm on Wednesday, August 17, on a return to prison warrant and taken to the Beenleigh Watchhouse.

“The man was transported to the Logan Hospital after experiencing a medical episode … he was pronounced deceased at 7.40pm.

“The incident is under investigation by the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the State Coroner and is subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.”

Constable Peter McAulay had to learn to walk again after being hit by a stolen car.

Const McAulay was hit by a stolen car driven by the then-teen O’Brien-Faulkner near Ipswich as the officer was attempting to throw out road spikes.

He was dragged under the car for some distance, suffering massive injuries including displacement of his brain, spinal injuries, broken bones, a dislocated cheek, hearing loss and lost multiple teeth.

He underwent many surgeries, was bedridden for months and had to learn to walk again. He made a remarkable recovery and returned to work after 18 months.

O’Brien-Faulkner spent two and a half years behind bars but two months after his release was back in court after he was again caught driving a stolen car. He was also charged with obstructing police and unlawful possession of a weapon.

The 21-year-old’s death yesterday is understood to be a suspected drug overdose.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the union was providing support to Const McAulay and officers from the Beenleigh watchhouse.

“Any death is a tragedy but there’s little sympathy from many people in the community for this man,” Mr Leavers said.

“It’s fair to say very few people will mourn this youth criminal’s passing. He was on a road to serious criminal behaviour from a very young age and it’s obvious he didn’t at any time turn his life around despite being given multiple chances that I personally believe he did nothing to deserve.

Police Union President Ian Leavers.

“After nearly killing Constable Peter McAulay, this man wrote letters saying he intended to reform and become a better citizen. All he did was con the judiciary as they were blinded by his disingenuous words as he continued to wreak havoc and destruction by committing further serious crimes,” Mr Leavers said.

“The sad reality is that if this youth criminal had received a proper prison sentence from the judiciary, rather than a slap on the wrists, he would still be alive today behind bars receiving the rehabilitation he desperately needed.

“When I spoke to Pete McAulay today he again impressed me with his optimism and generosity. Pete said ‘I had high hopes this youth criminal would change and genuinely turn his life around and become a better person. My life has changed forever since the day I was rundown but now all this offender has left behind is sorrow and sadness.’

“The QPU is providing support to Peter and the officers from the Beenleigh watchhouse involved in this incident.”