Cause of death still unknown after man died during ‘violent’ arrest

Police have confirmed an autopsy has been conducted after a man fell unconscious and died during a “violent struggle” with police in Toowoomba, but that the cause of death is still unknown.

A man has died after falling unconscious during a “violent struggle” with police as he was being arrested in relation to an alleged car theft in Toowoomba on Thursday afternoon.

Two police officers were injured and taken to hospital.

The 27-year-old died after police were called to reports of three people acting suspiciously in a car at Stone St, Wilsonton.

Two other occupants of the suspected stolen car fled the scene and were still at large.

Forensic police and detectives investigate the scene of a death in custody in Stone St at Wilsonton. Picture: Nev Madsen

Police would not go into detail on how the man died, other than confirming there was “a violent struggle” where the man “became unconscious.”

They are treating the incident as a death in custody and suspect he had a medical episode during the arrest.

On Saturday police released a statement confirming an autopsy had been done but the cause of death was still unknown.

Toowoomba’s top cop, Assistant Commissioner for the Southern Region Mike Condon, confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen about a month ago.

Pressed on the man’s cause of death, 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.

“The mere fact it was involved in an altercation will necessitate that we investigate the use of force used by our officers, and that will be overviewed by the ESC (Ethical Standards Command), coroner and the CCC (Crime and Corruption Commission).”

Mr Condon said one officer taken to hospital was suffering breathing difficulties, while the other sustained minor injuries in the scuffle.

A large police presence at the scene of an arrest on Stone St at Wilsonton in Toowoomba. Picture: Nev Madsen

Mr Condon said at the time of the incident, officers provided first aid to the deceased man.

Paramedics took over resuscitation efforts once they were called to the scene.

Mr Condon hoped the public would apply common sense in relation to what occurred.

“We don’t have all the answers at the moment, but until those investigations are complete I would hope that common sense is applied within the community and we work together to ensure that once the outcome is known, that people will understand completely what’s occurred,” Mr Condon said.

He also extended his condolences to the man’s family on behalf of the police service.

The man was from Mitchell in the Maranoa region.

His next of kin have been notified of his death and a police liaison officer will be available to support the local community.

Police are appealing for any CCTV or mobile footage of the incident.

Contact Policelink on 131444.

Stone St remained closed as investigations continued.

The scene in Wilsonton, Toowoomba, where a man died during a police arrest (Facebook image)

The scene in Wilsonton, Toowoomba, where a man died during a police arrest