Teen Tasered After Leaving Ambulance on M5, Falls Into Live Lane and Is Fatally Struck, Watchdog Says

An 18-year-old man, identified as Logan Smith, was tasered by a police officer and subsequently struck and killed by a car after exiting an ambulance on the M5 in North Somerset on Nov. 30, officials said.

The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. when ambulance staff stopped on the hard shoulder "due to the concerns of ambulance staff," the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. According to the IOPC, Smith got out of the vehicle and moved into live lanes of the motorway, prompting ambulance personnel to call police for assistance.

Body-worn camera footage reviewed by the IOPC shows an officer attempting to engage with Smith and, shortly afterwards, discharging a Taser. The watchdog said the discharge caused Smith to fall to the ground and that he was then struck by a car travelling southbound on the carriageway.

First responders treated Smith at the scene, but he was pronounced dead there. The coroner has been informed and an autopsy has been carried out, the IOPC said.

Derrick Campbell, director of the IOPC, said: "My thoughts and sympathies are with Logan's family and friends and everyone affected by this shocking and tragic incident. We want to reassure everyone that we will independently investigate all the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the use of a Taser."

The IOPC said it has taken initial accounts from the officer and ambulance staff involved and has met with Smith's family to offer condolences, explain the watchdog's role and provide details about the investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said police "thoughts are with the man’s family at such a devastating time," adding that officers and ambulance crews were "understandably incredibly upset" and that welfare arrangements are being made for staff and witnesses.

The IOPC has launched an independent investigation into the Taser discharge and the events that led to the fatal collision. Authorities have emphasized that the probe will examine all circumstances surrounding the incident.

Reporting based on IOPC and Avon and Somerset Police statements. Further details may be released as the independent investigation progresses.