Revealed: why man who died in custody was tasered

AUCKLAND: Police have said tasers had to be used on the 29yearold who died in custody three days after his arrest, for the safety of the police officers involved.

Police have named the man as Alo Ngata, of Tonga.

The investigation into his death and the circumstances surrounding the assault of a 76yearold man are continuing after two police officers were forced to discharge their tasers during the incident.

Auckland city district commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus said about 1pm on Sunday police were responding to reports of a man attacking an elderly man in Freemans Bay.

From the Eagle helicopter it was observed the 29yearold kicked the elderly man in the head five or six times, essentially until he was unconscious, she said.

He then advanced on police in a threatening manner.

The first two uses of the taser were ineffective, the second two were effective.

‘‘He continued to resist police attempts to restrain him, to cuff him.

‘‘It took four police officers to restrain him.’’

If they had not used the tasers the two police officers could have been seriously injured if not killed, she said.

‘‘I have no doubt that if our officers had not intervened with the necessary tactical options they would have incurred serious injury themselves.

‘‘It would be fair to say that they are traumatised.’’

During it all, the victim was unconscious on the roadway.

He received medical attention and was taken to hospital, she said.

Police say the 29yearold was transported to the Auckland police custody unit in an agitated state and continued to resist police efforts.

Supt Malthus said police members realised he was in medical distress, commenced CPR immediately and called an ambulance.

‘‘Sadly and tragically, three days later he died.’’

Police were called to the man’s address the day before the incident and are also reviewing that as part of the investigation, she said.

The elderly victim is still recovering in hospital and is reported to be doing well.

An witness previously said the man was acting like a ‘‘wild animal’’ before he was tasered multiple times by police on Sunday.

‘‘He was out of control.’’— NZME