A 22 –year-old man died at Vaiola Hospital on Wednesday morning, November 29 from injuries sustained after allegedly jumping from a moving police vehicle, following his arrest in the weekend.

The young man from Tatakamotonga, whose name was not released, sustained injuries to his head and right arm.

He was arrested at around 2:43am on Sunday, November 26, following a complaint from the community at ‘Alakifonua of intoxicated youths fighting at the Captain Cook memorial place.

Police Commissioner Caldwell said officers from Mu’a Police Station responded and arrested the man with with six others. He was placed in the back of the police vehicle (a double cab truck) with three other prisoners. 

"The man struggled with a police officer so he was handcuffed on one wrist and the other wrist to the iron bar behind the rear seat of the police vehicle. On the trip back, before they reached the Mu’a Police station, the man managed to squeeze his hand out of the handcuff and jumped off the moving police vehicle," the Commissioner stated.

A following police vehicle stopped and rushed the man to Vaiola Hospital.

The Commissioner said he was advised directly of this incident when it occurred. "An initial Professional Standards Unit investigation has confirmed with a number of independent witnesses the facts as outlined."

The Commissioner said it was very sad and extended his condolences to the young man’s family.

The Police Professional Standards Unit investigation continues.