A man has died in hospital after he suffered a medical episode during an arrest in Sydney’s west.
Officers were called to a home in Homebush about 8.30am on Monday morning after reports of an alleged domestic/family violence-related incident, New South Wales police said.
Police said officers deployed OC spray, or pepper spray, while trying to arrest a man.
The man, 52, suffered a medical episode and was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital in a critical condition.
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The man died in hospital on Monday evening, police said.
A critical incident investigation has been launched, which will be subject to an independent review. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) said police had notified it of the critical incident.
The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, who was asked on Tuesday if the incident showed that police should stop using OC spray, said: “In terms of this particular incident, it’s very premature.”
“The reason that we have a critical incident investigation is to look at that; there may well have been a medical condition that may have been exacerbated by [OC spray],” he said.
“OC spray is a non-lethal option that police have, and it’s designed to make sure that we can police safely.
“Tragically, a person has passed away. I think it’s fair that we allow the process to go through now, investigate that matter and allow the coroner oversight.”
