A 24-year-old Aboriginal man has died after being restrained by police during an altercation at a Coles supermarket in Alice Springs on Tuesday afternoon.
According to a spokesperson for Northern Territory Police, the incident occurred around 1:10pm, when two plainclothes officers inside the store intervened in a confrontation between the man and a security guard.
“Shortly after being restrained, the man stopped breathing and CPR was administered,” the spokesperson said. St John Ambulance paramedics transported him to Alice Springs Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 2:20pm.
Details of the Incident
At a press conference in Darwin, Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said the man, who is believed to be a local resident, had been seen placing items inside his clothing before being approached by security personnel.
“One of the security guards was assaulted,” Mr Wurst said. “Two police officers who were present rendered assistance, and the man was placed on the ground during the altercation.”
He added that the man became unresponsive and later lost consciousness while being restrained.
Investigation Underway
Police are treating the case as a death in custody and have launched a full investigation. A report will be prepared for the coroner, and a pathologist is scheduled to travel to Alice Springs on Wednesday to conduct an autopsy.
A crime scene has been established, and the shopping centre is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day. Detectives from the Major Crime Section are en route to assist with the investigation.
Assistant Commissioner Wurst extended condolences to the man’s family and acknowledged the emotional toll the incident is likely to have on all involved.
“This is a tragic situation,” he said. “It will have a significant impact not only on the man’s family, but also on the security staff and police officers involved. Welfare support has already been provided to the officers.”
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them on 131 444 or to reach out to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
