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Police have launched an internal inquiry after a man who attacked a police officer at Hamilton District Court died.
The family of Johnathan Ripia decided to switch off life support at Waikato Hospital yesterday afternoon.
On Monday, the 46-year-old from Hamilton had just appeared in court on charges of unlawfully entering a motor vehicle and resisting arrest, when he attacked a policeman.
Other police and several bystanders wrestled him to the ground, but during the struggle he stopped breathing.
Pepper spray was used during the scuffle, but it was applied by hand. Police said Mr Ripia was not sprayed.
The Police Complaints Authority has been notified.
Police would not speculate on the cause of death and a spokeswoman said an autopsy had yet to be held.
Witnesses described Mr Ripia's manner as erratic before he went into the dock. Detective Sergeant Chris Page said a number of people had seen Mr Ripia before and during the attack.
"His behaviour has been described to us as hyperactive, intimidating and aggressive. Several members of the public have told us they were concerned for their safety and felt quite threatened by him."
The attacked officer performed CPR on Mr Ripia, who was immediately rushed to hospital.
The policeman suffered bruising to his head and was off work yesterday.
