A 53-year-old local man who sustained serious injuries during an interaction with police responding to a disturbance in Normanton last year has died in Cairns.
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Police were responding to the disturbance at Sutherland St on the evening of February 25, 2016
An investigation initiated by the Mount Isa Police District and overviewed by the Ethical Standards Command determined that after seeing police arrest a woman who threw a bottle of alcohol at them, the man aggressively approached and threatened officers.
The man fell backwards and struck his head on the roadway when police attempted to push him away to avoid personal injury.
Officers immediately provided first aid and an ambulance was called.
The Crime and Corruption Commission was advised of the injury in custody and a preliminary investigation found police actions were lawful and reasonable in the circumstances.
The man who had been under the care of medical professionals since the incident – died at a facility in Woree on January 18.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Mount Isa District police are providing support to the man’s family.
Support is also being offered to the officers involved.