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IOPC Confirms Logan Smith, 18, Was Tasered Before Fatal M5 Collision

An independent inquiry now examines police decisions on the motorway response.

Overview

  • Logan Smith left an ambulance on the northbound M5 near Weston-super-Mare after it stopped on the hard shoulder due to concerns from ambulance staff.
  • Ambulance crews called Avon and Somerset Police, and body-worn video shows a single officer attempted to engage Smith before discharging a Taser that caused him to fall.
  • He was struck by a vehicle on the southbound carriageway shortly afterward and died at the scene despite emergency first aid.
  • The watchdog has reviewed the footage, taken initial accounts from the officer and ambulance staff, met Smith’s family, and says the coroner has been informed with formal identification and a post-mortem completed.
  • Avon and Somerset Police state the officer was trying to bring Smith to safety, and the force has made a mandatory referral to the IOPC and will fully cooperate.