Man, 23, dies while being arrested at Adelaide pub after 'violent struggle'

A man who threatened to stab police officers and attempted to bite them on numerous occasions died while being arrested outside a popular pub

A 23-year-old man has died while being arrested by police outside a popular pub.

Police responded to multiple calls reporting a man,potentially armed with a knife, fighting with another man and damaging vehicles in Adelaide, Australia. Upon arrival police located a male on the driveway of West Terrace, who was armed with a piece of wood, when challenged by officers he dropped the item.

More details of the incident were disclosed at a press conference where a police spokesperson said: “This was a dynamic incident which lasted minutes. The arrest itself has been captured on the police officer’s body-worn video.”

The incident is understood to have taken place between the Elephant and Castle Hotel and Lexus Adelaide dealership, according to MailOnline.

While answering questions from members of the press the spokesperson said: “The person became unresponsive during the arrest… It was whilst he was struggling violently with the police during the arrest that he then became unresponsive.”

They confirmed two officers initially responded to the incident before being assisted by a further two officers, it has also been confirmed no taser was used during the arrest despite the man threatening to stab officers and attempting to bite them on numerous occasions.

The spokesperson confirmed the officers who responded to the call were experienced officers, and confirmed a “thorough” investigation would be taking place.

A South Australia Police press release said: “Police are preparing a report for the State Coroner following the death of a man in Adelaide. Just after 4.15pm today (Thursday 23 July), police were called to West Terrace after reports of a man behaving in a disorderly manner and damaging vehicles.

“While police were attempting to arrest the man he resisted arrest. During this process the man became unresponsive and despite the efforts of police and paramedics who performed CPR, he died at the scene.

“Besides the State Coroner’s report, the man’s death will also be the subject of a Police Commissioner’s Inquiry.”

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