Investigation launched after man falls to death while fleeing Ipswich police

An investigation has been launched after a man once dubbed a ‘danger to the community’ fell to his death from a 13th floor balcony.

An investigation has been launched by the police’s Ethical Standards Command after a man once dubbed a “danger to the community” plunged to his death southwest of Brisbane.

Mario Giovani Merlo died on Wednesday after falling from a 13th floor balcony at an Ipswich apartment block.

A Queensland Police spokesman said officers attended the unit at 7.45am to make inquiries when Merlo, 42, ran and fell from the balcony.

Mario Giovani Merlo has been identified as the man who plunged to his death from an Ipswich balcony while fleeing police on Wednesday.

He was declared dead at the scene.

The Ethical Standards Command is investigating the incident, and the Crime and Corruption Commission has oversight of the investigation.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

The Oaks Aspire Apartments tower in Ipswich.

Court documents reveal Merlo was jailed for five years in 2007 over violent attacks on other men in 2006.

One victim was left with multiple facial fractures that required 16 titanium mini plates to be inserted into his head.

Judge Forno said the victim had not shown any violence to Merlo, branding him a “danger to the community”.

Merlo was ordered in 2009 to pay the victim $42,000 in compensation for the attack.