Transit Officers' Actions Contributed to Young Man's Fatal Heart Attack During Train Station Arrest, Court Finds
A coronial inquest has delivered a damning finding, ruling that the actions of transit officers during an arrest at a Perth train station significantly contributed to the fatal heart attack of a 22-year-old man. The case has sparked intense scrutiny over use-of-force protocols and training for public transport security personnel across Western Australia.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The incident occurred at a metropolitan train station in Perth, where Joshua van Malssen, a young man with no known prior heart conditions, was apprehended by transit officers following a reported disturbance. According to evidence presented during the inquest, multiple officers restrained Mr. van Malssen on the ground for an extended period, applying physical pressure to his torso and limbs.
Witness testimony and security footage revealed that Mr. van Malssen repeatedly complained of breathing difficulties and chest pain during the restraint. Despite these clear distress signals, officers maintained their position until he became unresponsive. Paramedics were called to the scene but were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at a nearby hospital.
Coroner's Critical Findings
The coroner's report identified several key factors that contributed to the tragic outcome. The physical restraint techniques used by officers placed excessive pressure on Mr. van Malssen's chest, compromising his ability to breathe properly. This restriction, combined with the stress of the arrest situation, created a perfect storm that triggered a catastrophic cardiac event in an otherwise healthy young individual.
Furthermore, the investigation found that officers failed to adequately monitor Mr. van Malssen's vital signs or respond appropriately to his verbal distress calls. The coroner noted that this represented a serious failure in duty of care, highlighting gaps in both training and operational procedures for transit officers dealing with potentially vulnerable individuals.
Systemic Issues and Recommended Reforms
The inquest uncovered broader systemic problems within the transit officer program. These included:
- Inadequate training on recognizing medical emergencies during restraint situations
- Poor communication protocols between officers during high-stress incidents
- Insufficient guidelines for when to de-escalate or modify restraint techniques
- Lack of mandatory first aid certification requirements for all frontline officers
The coroner has recommended sweeping reforms to prevent similar tragedies, including:
- Immediate review and update of all use-of-force policies for transit officers
- Mandatory comprehensive medical emergency training for all personnel
- Implementation of body-worn cameras for all transit officers
- Regular independent audits of restraint incident reports
- Enhanced psychological support services for officers involved in traumatic incidents
Family's Response and Broader Implications
Mr. van Malssen's family expressed both relief and profound sadness at the findings, stating that the coroner's report validated their long-held concerns about the circumstances of his death. They have called for immediate implementation of all recommended changes to ensure no other family endures similar heartbreak.
The case has reignited debates about the appropriate role and training of transit officers, who occupy a unique position between traditional security personnel and law enforcement. Advocacy groups have pointed to this tragedy as evidence that current systems place both officers and the public at unnecessary risk during confrontational situations.
Transport authorities have acknowledged the coroner's findings and pledged to conduct a thorough review of all policies and procedures. However, community groups are demanding more than promises, calling for transparent timelines and independent oversight of any reforms implemented in response to this preventable death.
