Two Victoria Police officers have been charged with negligent manslaughter over the death of a 35-year-old tradie who suffered a brain injury during an arrest outside a Hoppers Crossing 7-Eleven last year, police said.
Luke Briggs was arrested on July 15, 2024, by the two officers over alleged traffic-related offences in a car park in Melbourne’s west. He became unresponsive at the scene and was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in critical condition, where he was placed in an induced coma. He died eight days later after life support was turned off.
Homicide detectives, with oversight from Victoria Police’s Professional Standards Command, charged a 29-year-old constable and a 45-year-old sergeant on Thursday with negligent manslaughter. Both men were suspended by Victoria Police at the time of the incident and were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said the force does not shy away from taking action where incidents require investigation. "I understand the news today will be concerning and difficult for many in the community, however I want to reassure them that Victoria Police does not shy away from taking action to uphold community trust and confidence in our organisation," she said. She added that the majority of officers provide exemplary service and that incidents are investigated thoroughly regardless of rank.
Briggs’s family marked the first anniversary of his death with a memorial in Hoppers Crossing in July and have repeatedly expressed distress at delays in the investigation. His sister, Catherine, said at the memorial that the family remained unable to move on. Their lawyer, Sarah Condon of Robinson Gill Lawyers, told media the family could not comment further because criminal proceedings have commenced.
The Police Association of Victoria said it would support the two charged officers. Secretary Wayne Gatt said the members went out that night to protect the community and that thousands of other officers carry out similar work under challenging circumstances. "We will be by their side and support them fully as they navigate the difficult path ahead," he said.
Police statements and court documents released by Victoria Police detail that Briggs suffered a severe brain injury during an altercation with officers in the car park. He was taken to hospital wearing a Bunnings jumper, and family members later described him surrounded by loved ones with a beer by his bedside when life support was withdrawn.
The case has been handled by the homicide squad since last year, with ongoing oversight from Professional Standards. The charging of serving officers in incidents that result in a civilian death is rare and underscores the investigative pathway taken by authorities following public scrutiny of fatal encounters between police and members of the community.
The magistrates' court will now hear initial matters related to the charges. Victoria Police has said support services continue to be available to the Briggs family as the matter progresses. The Crown will present the details it relies on during committal proceedings, and the defence will have the opportunity to respond in court.
The development follows broader national and international conversations about police use of force and accountability, though Victoria Police has emphasised the majority of its members act appropriately and that thorough investigations are essential when serious incidents occur. Local community reaction has included calls for transparency and timely updates during lengthy inquiries.
No sentencing or findings of criminal responsibility have been made. The officers charged are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proved guilty in court. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.