Teenager Who Died on Motorway Had Been Tasered by Police, According to Watchdog Report

“`html

Teenager Dies After Being Tasered and Struck by Vehicle on M5 Motorway

A Tragic Incident unfolded on the M5 motorway in Somerset on Sunday night, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old man. Logan Smith, was fatally struck by a vehicle after being tasered by a Police Officer.

Sequence of Events

The events began when Logan Smith, who was being transported to a hospital by ambulance, exited the vehicle on the hard shoulder of the northbound carriag

What specific details regarding the teenagerS distressed state influenced the officer’s decision to deploy the taser?

Key Findings of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) Investigation

A recently released report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has revealed that a teenager who tragically died after an incident on a motorway had been tasered by police prior to his death. The report, published December 5th, 2025, details the sequence of events leading up to the fatality and raises serious questions about police procedures and the use of taser devices. The incident has sparked renewed debate surrounding police use of force, taser safety, and teenager deaths in custody.

Timeline of Events: What Happened on the Motorway?

the IOPC investigation reconstructed the events of the night, outlining the following key stages:

* Initial Police Contact: Officers were initially called to reports of a young person walking along the hard shoulder of the M62 motorway near leeds. Concerns were raised for his welfare.

* Attempted Engagement: Police attempted to engage with the teenager, who was described as being in a distressed state. Initial attempts to verbally calm him were unsuccessful.

* Taser Deployment: Following a perceived threat – the specifics of which are still under scrutiny – an officer deployed a taser. The IOPC report confirms the teenager was struck by the taser.

* Subsequent Fall & Fatal Injuries: Immediately after being tasered, the teenager fell into the path of oncoming traffic and sustained fatal injuries.

* Immediate Aftermath: Emergency services were called to the scene, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

IOPC Report: Critical Findings and Areas of Concern

The IOPC report highlighted several critical areas of concern:

* Proportionality of Force: the report questions whether the use of a taser was a proportionate response to the situation, given the teenager’s apparent vulnerability and mental state.Police proportionality is a key principle in the use of force.

* Taser Deployment Protocol: Investigators are examining whether officers adhered to all relevant taser deployment protocols,including risk assessments and de-escalation techniques.

* Officer Training: the report raises questions about the adequacy of officer training regarding the use of tasers, particularly in dealing with vulnerable individuals. Taser training standards are under review.

* Post-Incident Procedures: The IOPC is also reviewing the post-incident procedures followed by the police force, including the immediate medical assistance provided.

Understanding Tasers: How They Work and Potential Risks

Tasers, also known as Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs), are designed to temporarily incapacitate individuals through the delivery of an electrical shock. Tho, they are not without risk.

* Mechanism of Action: Tasers disrupt the body’s neuromuscular system, causing temporary muscle contractions and loss of balance.

* Potential Health Risks: While generally considered less-lethal, tasers can pose risks, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Falls following taser deployment can also result in serious injuries, as tragically demonstrated in this case.

* Debate Over Safety: The safety of tasers remains a subject of ongoing debate, with concerns raised about their potential to cause cardiac arrest or other adverse health effects. Taser safety concerns are frequently voiced by advocacy groups.

Legal and ethical Implications: what Happens Next?

The IOPC has forwarded its findings to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to determine whether any criminal charges shoudl be brought against the officers involved. A separate internal investigation is also being conducted by the police force.

* Potential Charges: Officers could face charges ranging from misconduct in public office to manslaughter, depending on the CPS’s assessment of the evidence.

* Civil Claims: The teenager’s family may also pursue civil claims against the police force, seeking compensation for their loss.

* Calls for Reform: The incident has fueled calls for reform of police training and procedures regarding the use of tasers, particularly in interactions with vulnerable individuals. Police reform is a growing demand.

Similar Cases and Past Incidents

This tragic incident is not isolated. Several previous cases have raised concerns about the use of tasers by police,particularly in relation to vulnerable individuals.

* 2017 – Death of Edson da costa: The death of Edson Da Costa after being tasered by police in Hackney, London, led to widespread protests and calls for greater accountability.

* 2020 – Independent Review of Taser Use: A 2020 independent review of taser use in England and Wales highlighted disparities in the deployment of tasers against Black and minority ethnic individuals.

* Ongoing Scrutiny: These cases underscore the need for ongoing scrutiny of police use of force and the implementation of robust safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals.

Resources and Support

* IOPC Website: [https://www.iopc.gov.uk/](https://www.iopc.