Two Met cops cleared of misconduct over man targeted by stun gun before death
Two Met cops have been cleared of misconduct by the police watchdog after a man was shot with a stun gun, fell from Chelsea Bridge and later died.
Oladeji Omishore, 41, known as Deji, was tasered by cops three times before he fell into the River Thames on June 4, 2022.
A jury at an inquest, which concluded yesterday at Inner West London Coroners’ Court, could not conclude the actions of officers probably caused his death.
Instead, the jury stated that Mr Omishore was suffering a mental health relapse, which impacted his decisions and actions.
Following the conclusion of the inquest, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it found no indication officers had behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings or had committed a criminal offence.
The IOPC investigated whether the police officers’ actions caused or contributed to Mr Omishore’s death, as well as several allegations made by Mr Omishore’s family.
These included that the officers behaved in a discriminatory manner, used unnecessary and unreasonable force, and complaints about the wording used in a statement released by the Met on the day of the incident.
The two Met officers responded to the incident on Chelsea Bridge after seven 999 calls were made by members of the public with concerns about a man, who was reported to be holding a screwdriver or knife in the middle of the road.
The initial Met media report claimed that Mr Omishore was “armed with a screwdriver”, but on June 21, 2022, the IOPC confirmed he was instead holding a plastic cigarette lighter, not a weapon.
Police body-worn video captured Mr Omishore being Tasered multiple times by one of the officers for a total of eight-and-a-half seconds.
An officer discharged their Taser a fourth time when Mr Omishore ran towards the barrier on the bridge, but this appeared to have no effect, and a fifth time when he was jumping over the bridge railings, but this did not connect.
Mr Omishore then jumped over the railing and fell into the water.
He was rescued by members of the Royal National Lifeguard Institute, assisted by Met marine officers, and taken to hospital, where he died that evening.
Mr Omishore’s cause of death was due to complications from drowning.
During the IOPC investigation, both Met cops said they believed the incident may have been a terrorist attack.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Firstly, I want to reiterate our sincere condolences to the Omishore family. This was a terrible tragedy and we have ensured that they have remained updated about our investigation.
“Officers are allowed to use force when they honestly believe it is necessary to defend themselves or others.
“It’s impossible to know whether Mr Omishore would have jumped into the Thames if the officers had not attempted to detain him using the Taser, although had they succeeded in detaining him, he could not have done so.”
The IOPC said it separately investigated the officers for failing to cooperate as witnesses.
Ms Rowe said: “Following advice from their federation representatives, these officers simply refused to answer any questions that would assist the investigation, despite being reminded of their obligations under the police standards of professional behaviour.”
This was not serious enough to justify disciplinary proceedings, the IOPC said, and it would recommend they face a reflective practice review process under the Met.
Pictured top: Oladeji “Deji” Omishore was 41 when he died after falling into the Thames in 2022 (Picture: Family handout)
he didnt fall in the river .. he jumped .. The Officers were NOT to blame …… if anyone is to blame its the NHS MH Services or lack of