A man is fighting for his life and is not expected to survive after suddenly collapsing following a confrontation with police over minor traffic issues.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal the man, who has not yet been identified, was approached by police in the car park of a 7-Eleven convenience store on the corner of Heaths and Tarneit streets, in Hoppers Crossing, west of Melbourne, at around 2am on Monday.
A police spokesman confirmed that officers attempted to speak to the man about traffic issues when he became physically aggressive and fought with police.
A crime scene was established outside the Hoppers Crossing 7-Eleven on Monday.
“At this early stage it appears the man became unresponsive following his arrest,” the spokesman said in a statement.
‘Police immediately called for medical assistance and performed CPR on the man, who was taken to hospital in critical condition.’
Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the incident under the supervision of Victoria Police’s Professional Standards Command.
On Monday morning, forensic teams remained outside the 7-Eleven, which was cordoned off by detectives.
A van loaded with large yellow and green bags remained parked outside the 7-Eleven.
It is unknown whether the arrested man was driving that vehicle when he was approached by police.
Several evidence markers could be seen outside the store, near the parking spaces.
The 7-Eleven remained closed Monday morning.
Evidence markers have been placed throughout the 7-Eleven parking lot.
Forensic officers investigated the scene on Monday.
This is the same location where a Starbucks behind the 7-Eleven was destroyed by fire in May.
The venue is lined with CCTV cameras, which are expected to have captured Monday’s incident.
The tragedy comes just weeks after a 27-year-old man died while being arrested by Victoria Police officers in Kyneton, inland Victoria.
In this case, it is understood that the deceased ingested a substance believed to be cyanide.
Five police officers who were at the home were taken to hospital as a precaution.
Anyone with information about the Hoppers Crossing incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
