A tragic incident on the M5 motorway in Somerset has led to the death of an 18-year-old after he was struck by a car, following an encounter with police who deployed a Taser.
Sequence of Events on the Motorway
Logan Smith from Weston-super-Mare was being transported to hospital in an ambulance on the evening of 30 November. Due to concerns for his welfare, paramedics pulled the ambulance onto the hard shoulder of the northbound carriageway.
Smith subsequently left the vehicle near the junction for Weston-super-Mare and entered the live traffic lanes. Paramedics alerted Avon and Somerset Police at approximately 11pm, prompting an officer to attend the scene.
Police Intervention and Fatal Collision
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is conducting an independent investigation, stated that body-worn video footage shows the officer attempted to engage with Smith before firing a Taser.
The discharge caused Smith to fall to the ground. Tragically, he was then hit by a car travelling on the southbound carriageway. Despite emergency first aid administered at the scene, he was pronounced dead.
Official Responses and Investigation
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell extended sympathies to Logan's family and friends, describing the event as a "shocking and tragic incident." He confirmed the investigation will scrutinise all circumstances, including the use of the Taser.
Avon and Somerset Police stated the officer's actions were an attempt to bring Smith to safety and reduce risk to him and the public. Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall acknowledged the profound impact on the emergency crews involved and witnesses.
The force has made a mandatory referral to the IOPC and is cooperating fully with the inquiry. The coroner has been informed, and formal identification along with a postmortem examination have been completed.
