The family of a tradesman who was left in a coma after a confrontation with police outside a supermarket have given a heartbreaking update as they desperately search for answers.
Luke Briggs, 35, was approached by two male police officers in the car park of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne’s west in the early hours of July 15.
Officers attempted to speak to the builder about a traffic issue, but he reportedly became physically aggressive and began struggling with police.
When Briggs became unresponsive during the incident, emergency services were called.
He was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition, where he remains a week later and is expected to die within days.
Victoria Police confirmed on Monday that a male sergeant and constable involved in the arrest have been suspended. No charges have been laid.
Mr Briggs’ family have spoken openly of their indescribable pain and suffering.
“It is heartbreaking to see Luke in such a vulnerable state, and our thoughts are focused solely on spending our last precious days with him,” the family said in a statement to The Age.
Luke Briggs was knocked unconscious during an incident with police a week ago
Mr. Briggs was confronted by police officers in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Hoppers Crossing in the early morning of July 15. Police are pictured at the scene.
‘At this time, our priority is Luke’s well-being. We are working with the authorities as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We are confident that a thorough and fair investigation will reveal the truth about what happened.”
The family has appointed Robinson Gill director Jeremy King as their lawyer. King has raised many unanswered questions about the investigation.
Two officers associated with the Northwest Metro region were questioned on Friday and suspended three days later.
“The homicide squad’s investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a man in Hoppers Crossing on July 15 is ongoing,” the spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.
The investigation is being overseen by the Professional Standards Command, in line with standard procedure when someone is seriously injured in a police cell.
“A male officer and a male sergeant from the northwest metropolitan area have been suspended while the investigation continues.”
Luke Briggs (pictured in hospital) is expected to die within days
The spokeswoman could not comment on why it took a week for action to be taken against the allegedly involved officers.
“Something has gone terribly wrong here. A young man should not be in intensive care, clinging to life after an encounter with police,” King told The Age.
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