By Wayne Flower, Melbourne Correspondent
02:02 15 Jul 2024, updated 02:02 15 Jul 2024
A man is fighting for life and not expected to survive after he suddenly collapsed following a run-in with police over minor traffic matters.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal the man, who is yet to be identified, was approached by police in the carpark of a 7-Eleven convenience store at the corner of Heaths and Tarneit roads, in Hoppers Crossing – west of Melbourne – about 2am on Monday.
A police spokesperson confirmed officers attempted to speak with the man on traffic issues when he became physically aggressive and wrestled with police.
‘At this early stage it appears the man became unresponsive following his arrest,’ the spokesperson said via a statement.
‘Police immediately called for medical assistance and performed CPR on the man, who has been taken to hospital in a critical condition.’
Detectives from the Homicide Squad are investigating the incident with oversight from Victoria Police’s Professional Standards Command.
On Monday morning, forensic teams remained outside the 7-Eleven, which has been taped-off by detectives.
A ute stacked with large yellow and green bags remained parked outside the 7-Eleven.
It remains unknown if the arrested man was driving that vehicle when approached by police.
Several evidence markers were visible outside the shop near parking spaces.
It is the same location where in May a Starbucks located directly behind the 7-Eleven was destroyed by fire.
The location is awash 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, in country Victoria.
In that instance, it is understood the deceased man ingested a substance believed to be cyanide.
Five police officers who were in the home were taken to hospital as a precaution.
Anyone with information on the Hoppers Crossing incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.