The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has concluded their investigation into the arrest of a man in Victoria on December 21st.
According to the IIO’s findings, VicPD officers first received complaints about a man around 12:30 p.m.
This individual was reportedly a suspect in a series of alleged assaults near Johnson and Wharf streets.
VicPD alleged that he had been yelling, throwing items into traffic and assaulted one member of the public near the corner of Wharf and Johnson Streets.
By responding to subsequent calls regarding an individual acting aggressively and making threats in Bastion Square, VicPD officers were able to locate and arrest the suspect.
According to the IIO’s recounting of events, officers noticed the man needed medical attention after placing the suspect in VicPD cells.
VicPD’s version of events says that the man acted erratically on the way to cells, as he was allegedly striking his head against the interior of the police vehicle.
Police say that the man’s behaviour continued to escalate, and officers called paramedics.
The suspect was then reportedly transported to hospital, where he required medical intervention and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Related:
Because the man sustained injuries under VicPD’s custody, the IIO initiated an investigation to determine whether any actions of the officers contributed to the patient’s medical condition.
According to the IIO, the chief civilian director has reviewed the evidence collected—including medical records, police reports and witness accounts—and has determined that there was no connection between police action, or inaction, and the man’s injuries.
This IIO investigation is now concluded.
