Two Victoria Police Officers Charged Negligent Manslaughter After Melbourne Arrest Death

Two Victoria Police officers, a 29-year-old constable and a 45-year-old sergeant from the North West Metro Region, have been charged with negligent manslaughter following the death of Luke Briggs, a 35-year-old builder who sustained severe injuries during a traffic-related arrest outside a convenience store in Hoppers Crossing in July 2024. Briggs became unresponsive during the arrest, was rushed to hospital, placed on life support, and died eight days later from a brain injury. Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam emphasized the importance of thorough investigations regardless of rank and reassured the public that the majority of officers serve the community with integrity. The charged officers have been suspended since the incident and were granted bail ahead of their court appearance in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. The police have expressed sympathy for Briggs' family and committed to providing them with ongoing support as the case progresses. Briggs' family described his final moments surrounded by loved ones and expressed their grief and hope for answers through the investigation.