Luke Briggs: Two police officers charged with negligent manslaughter after death during Melbourne arrest
Two Victoria Police officers have been charged with negligent manslaughter following a man’s death last year.
Luke Briggs, 35, was rushed to hospital after he became unresponsive during an arrest in a Hoppers Crossing 7-Eleven carpark, in Melbourne’s outer southwest, on July 15, 2024.
The builder died in hospital eight days later after suffering a brain injury.
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The two men had been suspended from Victoria Police since July last year.
At the time, police said Mr Briggs became aggressive when he was being questioned over a minor traffic matter.
In a statement, Public Safety and Security Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said her thoughts were with the Briggs family.
“I understand the news today will be concerning and difficult for many in the community; however, I want to reassure them that Victoria Police does not shy away from taking action to uphold community trust and confidence in our organisation,” she said.
“The overwhelming majority of our police do the right thing day in and day out and provide exemplary service to the community. Today’s update should not take away from their efforts more broadly.
“However, it is vital that where incidents such as this occur, they are investigated thoroughly regardless of a police officer’s rank, position or tenure.”
After his death, the Briggs family released a statement on July 24 saying they hoped the investigation “provides the answers we’re looking for”.
“There are real questions to be answered in terms of this arrest and how somebody ended up with those severe bruises on their body and in (the) ICU on life support,” they said. “We will miss you, Luke. We don’t know how we can go on without you.”
Family members held a memorial in Hoppers Crossing on July 15 to mark a year since his death.
The two officers are expected to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Originally published as Two police officers charged with negligent manslaughter after Luke Briggs’ death during arrest
