Hoppers Crossing, Melbourne: Driver fights for life after he suddenly collapses outside 7-Eleven moments after he was arrested
A man is fighting for his life and is unlikely to survive after suddenly collapsing following a confrontation with police over a minor traffic incident.
Daily Mail Australia can report that the man, who has not yet been identified, was approached by police in the car park of a 7-Eleven convenience store on the corner of Heaths and Tarneit Road, in Hoppers Crossing – west of Melbourne – at around 2am on Monday.
A police spokesperson confirmed that officers attempted to talk to the man about traffic problems, but he became physically aggressive and began struggling with police.
A crime scene was established outside the Hoppers Crossing 7-Eleven on Monday
“At this early stage it appears the man was unresponsive following his arrest,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
‘Police immediately called for medical assistance and performed CPR on the man. He was taken to hospital in critical condition.’
Detectives from the homicide squad are investigating the incident under the supervision of Victoria Police’s Professional Standards Command.
On Monday morning, forensic teams remained outside the 7-Eleven building, which had been cordoned off by detectives.
A van full of large yellow-green bags was still parked in front of the 7-Eleven.
It is unknown whether the arrested man was driving that vehicle when he was approached by police.
There were several evidence markers visible outside the store, near the parking lots.
The 7-Eleven remained closed Monday morning
Evidence markers have been placed in the 7-Eleven parking lot
Forensic investigators examined the crime scene on Monday
It is the same location where a Starbucks, directly behind the 7-Eleven, was destroyed by fire in May.
The location is filled with surveillance cameras, which are expected to have captured Monday’s incident.
The tragedy came just weeks after a 27-year-old man was killed while being arrested by Victoria Police officers in Kyneton, Victoria.
In that case, it is assumed that the deceased has ingested a substance suspected of being cyanide.
Five police officers who were present in the house were taken to hospital as a precaution.
If you have any information about the incident at Hoppers Crossing, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.