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\nPhoto: RNZ\n<\/p>\n
A man has died in police custody after being tasered and pepper-sprayed during a chase.<\/p>\n
The man had tried to flee from officers in Mount Maunganui about 12.30am on Wednesday, before ramming a squad car, police said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Officers had earlier seen a “vehicle of interest” linked to a wanted man and watched it travel through Mount Maunganui before the driver stopped on Kaniere Street, Superintendent Will Loughrin said.<\/p>\n
“The driver exited his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot unsuccessfully, before getting back into his vehicle and ramming a police vehicle, attempting to leave the scene.”<\/p>\n
“A Taser and OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) spray was deployed in the process of the man being arrested.”<\/p>\n
![\"Inspector](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/4L4TLXM_20230804033726_366A4528_JPG.jpeg\")
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\nSuperintendent Will Loughrin.
\nPhoto: RNZ\/ Nick Monro\n<\/p>\n
During the journey to the Tauranga police station the man became unresponsive, police said.<\/p>\n
Officers called for medical help immediately, Loughrin said, with an ambulance dispatched a minute later, at 12.42am.<\/p>\n
“Police staff commenced CPR, with ambulance staff assuming medical care when they arrived shortly afterwards.”<\/p>\n
The man was pronounced dead about an hour later.<\/p>\n
“We send our heartfelt condolences to them following this tragic incident and will continue to offer them all the necessary support at this difficult time.”<\/p>\n
“There will be a number of enquiries to undertake as we determine the specifics of the exact series of events and circumstances which have preceded the man’s death.”<\/p>\n
Worksafe had also been notified, Loughrin said, and police staff who were there were being offered support.<\/p>\n