A contractor who was left fighting for his life after a confrontation with police outside a supermarket 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 morning of July 15.
The officers tried to talk to the builder about a traffic problem, but he became aggressive and began to struggle with the police.
Emergency services were called after Mr Briggs was found unresponsive during the incident and he was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.
He spent eight days in intensive care before passing away on Tuesday evening, surrounded by his heartbroken family, after his life support was turned off.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic passing of our beloved Luke. He passed away in his favourite Bunnings jersey, with beer by his side and surrounded by his entire family,” a family statement to The Age said.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have occurred over the past nine days. We hope that the ongoing investigation will provide the answers we are looking for.”
The two arresting officers were wearing body cameras, but Victoria Police have not yet released the footage.
Luke Briggs (pictured with sister Catherine) was surrounded by family after his ventilator was turned off on Tuesday
The builder (pictured) collapsed during the arrest and was taken to hospital in critical condition, but died Tuesday afternoon
Police have also not disclosed what happened when Mr Briggs was arrested.
The 35-year-old’s death will now be the subject of a judicial inquiry, with investigations by both the homicide squad and Professional Standards Command continuing.
Victoria Police confirmed on Wednesday that Mr Briggs had died.
‘The man became unconscious during his arrest and police subsequently performed CPR and called for further medical attention. He was then taken to hospital.’
The two officers from the northwestern metropolitan region were suspended on Monday.
Officers attempted to speak to the builder about a traffic issue, but he reportedly became physically aggressive and began struggling with police (pictured shows the scene of the incident)
Mr Briggs (pictured in hospital) was in a coma for eight days
The male officer and the male sergeant were both questioned by a homicide detective Friday afternoon. No charges have been filed.
Mr Briggs died a day after his family spoke openly about their indescribable pain and suffering.
“It is heartbreaking to see Luke in such a vulnerable state. Our thoughts are focused solely on spending our last precious days with him,” the statement said Monday.
‘We are working with the authorities who are investigating 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 attorney. King raised many unanswered questions about the investigation on Monday, including why it took more than a week to suspend the officers involved.
“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.
Mr King also wanted to know when the investigation began, whether the officers were questioned immediately and whether the evidence had been preserved.
Luke Briggs, 35, (pictured) was approached by two male police officers in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Hoppers Crossing on July 15
Victoria Police declined to comment on why it took a week for action to be taken against the two officers
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.