Teen killed on M5 motorway moments after police Taser incident as watchdog investigates
A teenager was tasered by police just moments before being fatally struck on a motorway, an independent watchdog has disclosed.
Logan Smith, 18, was being transported to hospital in an ambulance when the vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder of the M5 following concerns raised by paramedics.
The Weston-super-Mare teenager exited the ambulance and walked into the active lanes of the motorway. Advertisement Advertisement
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Ambulance crews subsequently contacted police for support, with a single officer arriving at the scene shortly afterwards.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct stated that body-worn camera footage it has examined shows the officer tried to communicate with Logan before discharging their Taser a short while later.
The IOPC confirmed this resulted in Logan collapsing to the ground.
Moments later, he was hit by a vehicle travelling on the opposite carriageway near the Weston-super-Mare junction.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Logan tragically died at the scene.
The IOPC confirmed it is now examining the actions and decisions made by Avon and Somerset Police before Logan's death, which occurred shortly after 11pm on Sunday (30 November). Advertisement
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IOPC Director Derrick Campbell commented: "My thoughts and sympathies are with Logan's family and friends and everyone affected by this shocking and tragic incident.
"We want to reassure everyone that we will independently investigate all the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the use of a Taser.
"After being notified by the force, we sent our investigators to the police post incident procedure to begin gathering evidence.
"We have taken initial accounts from the officer and ambulance staff involved.
"We met with Logan's family on Tuesday, to give our condolences, explain our role and to provide some further detail about our investigation, including a Taser being discharged during the incident.
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"We will continue to keep them updated and they request that their privacy be respected at such a difficult time."
The coroner has been notified and formal identification along with a post-mortem examination have been completed.
Following his death, heartfelt tributes flooded in for Logan, who resided in Weston-super-Mare but hailed originally from Chesterfield.
His sister wrote on social media: "He didn't kill himself. It was a freak accident.
"Yes he had mental issues, and it didn't help that the doctors weren't listening to him about his medication."
Logan had a deep love for motorbikes and had pursued plumbing studies at Weston College. In the weeks leading up to his death, he had used social media platforms to express worries about his mental wellbeing.
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Heartfelt messages have been shared online.
One said; "RIP Logan, going to miss you, thankyou for being there for me throughout the years, you will be remembered."
One added: "Rest in peace Logan, you will be missed lil bro, heartbroken is an understatement."
One wrote: "R.I.P Logan I didn't know you well but we had some good times your in a better place and we will all do you proud."
Another individual expressed: "RIP Logan, taken far too soon. Thoughts are with your family and friends x".
One person shared: "Rest easy Logan, was talking to you yesterday. You're gonna be missed.
Thoughts are with your family."
Avon and Somerset Police have been approached for a statement.