A builder left fighting for life following a run-in with police outside a convenience store has died.
Luke Briggs, 35, was approached by two male police officers in the car park of a 7-Eleven in Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne’s west in the early hours of July 15.
The officers attempted to speak with the builder regarding a traffic issue when he allegedly became aggressive and wrestled with police.
Paramedics were called after Mr Briggs became unresponsive during the incident and he was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.
He spent eight days in intensive car before he died surrounded by his heartbroken family on Tuesday night after his life support was turned off.
‘We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic passing of our beloved Luke. He passed away wearing his favourite Bunnings jumper, beer by his side, surrounded by his whole family,’ a family statement to The Age stated.
‘We couldn’t be more heartbroken with the tragic events that we’ve endured over the past nine days and we hope the ongoing investigation provides the answers we’re looking for.’
The two arresting police officers were wearing body-worn cameras, but Victoria Police is yet to publicly release the footage.
Luke Briggs (pictured with sister Catherine) was surrounded by family after his life support was turned off on Tuesday
The builder (pictured) collapsed during the arrest and was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but died on Tuesday afternoon
The police have also not detailed what occurred when Mr Briggs was arrested.
The 35-year-old’s death will now be the subject of a coronial inquiry, while investigations are still ongoing by both the homicide squad and Professional Standards Command.
Victoria Police confirmed on Wednesday that Mr Briggs had died.
‘The man became unresponsive during his arrest and police subsequently performed CPR and called for further medical assistance. He was then conveyed to hospital.’
The two officers from the north-west metro region were suspended on Monday.
The officers attempted to speak with the builder regarding a traffic issue when he allegedly became physically aggressive and wrestled with police (pictured the scene of the incident)
Mr Briggs (pictured in hospital) spent eight days in a coma
The male constable and male sergeant were both interviewed by a detective from the homicide squad on Friday afternoon. No charges have been laid.
Mr Briggs died a day after his family opened up about their indescribable pain and suffering.
‘Seeing Luke in such a fragile state is soul-crushing, and our thoughts are solely focused on spending our last few precious days with him,’ a statement issued on Monday read.
‘We are co-operating with authorities, who are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
‘We trust that a thorough and fair investigation will reveal the truth of what happened.’
The family have appointed Robinson Gill principal Jeremy King as their lawyer, who raised many unanswered questions about the investigation on Monday, such as why it took more than a week to suspend the officers involved.
‘Something has gone terribly wrong here. A young man should not end up in the intensive care unit, clinging to life after an interaction with police,’ Mr King told The Age.
Mr King had also wanted to know when the investigation started, if the officers had been questioned straight away and if the evidence had been preserved.
Luke Briggs, 35, (pictured) was approached by two male police officers in the carpark of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Hoppers Crossing on July 15
Victoria Police wouldn’t comment on why it took a week for action to be taken against the two officers
The tragedy comes just weeks after a 27-year old man died while being arrested by Victoria Police officers in Kyneton, in country Victoria.
In that instance, it is understood the deceased man ingested a substance believed to be cyanide.
Five police officers who were in the home were taken to hospital as a precaution.
