The Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) is continuing to investigate the death of a 24-year-old man in police custody earlier this week.
Around 1:10pm on Tuesday, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a male had been involved in an altercation with a security guard at the Coles supermarket in Alice Springs.
It is alleged a 24-year-old Aboriginal male was placing items down the front of his clothing when he was confronted by security guards.
One of the security guards was assaulted and there were two police officers, who were in plain clothes at the time, in the supermarket who rendered assistance to the security guards.
The man was placed onto the ground by those police officers, and lost consciousness a short time later.
Initial first aid was provided, including CPR.
St John Ambulance attended the scene, and the man was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital where he was pronounced deceased shortly after 2:20pm.
The NTPF Major Crime Section Detectives are in Alice Springs investigating the death with oversight from the Professional Standards Command. Police are also investigating this matter on behalf of the Coroner.
The cause of the man's death is currently undetermined, and the forensic pathologist is required to complete further investigation to provide any substantive cause of death.
Police believe the man was involved in an incident near the Commonwealth Bank on Gregory Terrace just prior to the incident at Coles. It is alleged that during this incident the 24-year-old has assaulted a woman who was not known to him. Police have since identified this woman and investigations remain ongoing.
Detectives are urging anyone who witnessed the incident at Coles or on Gregory Terrace to make contact on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said "Detectives have collected a considerable amount of evidence and the public can be assured that a full and thorough investigative report will be prepared for the Coroner.
"Police are in contact with the man's family and are providing support through our Cultural Reform Team and I have visited the community of Yuendumu today to provide an update. We are also providing welfare support, alongside the NT Police Association, to the members involved.
"Our thoughts are with the deceased's family, our members and the entire Alice Springs Community and we thank them for their patience as we work through this investigation."
