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WA Police Probe Kalgoorlie Death in Custody After Confrontation

The police commissioner says the 43-year-old may have died from self-harm pending medical findings.

Overview

  • Officers were called just after 7:20pm Sunday to South Kalgoorlie over reports of a man with a knife and found him at a President Street home with a self-inflicted injury.
  • Police say they attempted to negotiate before using pepper spray and a Taser to subdue and restrain the man, then provided first aid and CPR until St John WA arrived.
  • The man was taken to Kalgoorlie Hospital and died that night, and his identity has not been released.
  • WA Police have classified the case as a death in custody, with Major Crime and Internal Affairs investigating and a report to be prepared for the coroner.
  • Commissioner Col Blanch says the death may be self-harm related pending confirmation, and advocate Gerry Georgatos says he will support the family and is calling for stronger custodial oversight.