A coroner's inquest determined that the way Joshua Van Malssen was restrained by officers during his arrest at Perth Underground Station contributed to his death.
A coroner's inquest has concluded that a 'cascade of events' led to the tragic death of 24-year-old Joshua Van Malssen, who suffered a heart attack while being arrested at Perth Underground Station in June 2023. The officers from the Public Transport Authority (PTA) arrested Van Malssen after he allegedly exhibited verbally abusive behavior towards staff. During the arrest, he was handcuffed while lying face down, a position that likely hindered his ability to breathe adequately.
Despite various medical conditions including complex heart disease, asthma, and early bronchopneumonia, it took officers a considerable amount of time to recognize that Van Malssen had stopped breathing. Once they realized he was unresponsive, he was swiftly transported to Royal Perth Hospital but was declared dead shortly after arrival. The inquest's findings raise critical concerns regarding the protocols used by law enforcement when engaging with individuals in vulnerable health positions.
The implications of this case are significant, prompting discussions about police practices and the treatment of individuals during arrests, especially those with pre-existing health conditions. The coroner's report could lead to a reevaluation of how officers are trained to manage similar situations in the future, emphasizing the need for improved health monitoring during detentions. This incident emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health and physical well-being in policing to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
