A grieving family has demanded answers after a father of three died after police hit him “multiple times” with a Taser.
Sali Byberi, 29, died last month after allegedly assaulting a police officer called to investigate “a disturbance” at a house in Essex.
Body camera footage reviewed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) shows that Mr Byberi “allegedly assaulted an officer” while police were investigating the incident. He was later ‘incapacitated’ by the Taser after he reportedly resisted arrest.
Now, loved ones of the ‘family-oriented’ and ‘hard-working’ father are seeking answers from authorities as they ‘try to come to terms with his death’.
Sali Byberi, 29, (pictured) died last month after he allegedly assaulted a police officer called to investigate ‘a disturbance’ at a house in Essex.
Now, loved ones of the ‘family-oriented’ and ‘hard-working’ father are seeking answers from authorities as they ‘try to come to terms with his death’. Pictured from left to right: Sali Byberi, Eli Sokolaj, Elson Byberi and Leonne Byberi
Mr Byberi died at a property on Clock House Way in Braintree on November 21 at around 1:15pm after an officer Tasered him ‘multiple times’ for resisting arrest on suspicion of assault.
Two officers had been called to the residence less than two hours earlier to investigate a disturbance.
Police have yet to share the circumstances as to why officers were called to the address and Mr. Byberi’s involvement in the incident.
Body camera footage shows officers speaking to several people prior to the alleged assault by Mr. Byberi, according to an IOPC report.
The officers attempted to arrest Mr. Byberi before footage shows him resisting. An officer then tasered him multiple times, “incapacitating” him before he suddenly felt sick.
Despite paramedics responding to the scene, Byberi died at the home.
Today, through her lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, her sister Eli Sokolaj paid tribute to Mr. Byberi and asked for an explanation for his ‘traumatic’ death.
Ms Sokolaj said: ‘We still can’t believe what happened and how Sali was taken from us.
“The last few weeks and trying to come to terms with his death and that he will no longer be in our lives, but particularly his children’s lives, has been incredibly traumatic.
‘It is almost impossible to find the words to describe the pain and pain we feel. We have so many questions and all we’re hoping for now is at least that we can get some answers.
Mr Byberi died at a property on Clock House Way in Braintree on November 21 at around 1:15pm after an officer Tasered him ‘multiple times’ for resisting arrest on suspicion of assault.
Mr. Byberi’s partner, Leonora Mafra, 31, now must raise their three children alone: Akil, eight, Egilson, six, and Fabio, five.
‘Sali was such a loving person. He was very family oriented and adored his Leonora and her children,” Ms. Sokolaj added.
“He was also very hard-working, outgoing and generous, and nothing was ever too much for him. He would always be there when people needed help.’
The IOPC has since launched an investigation into Mr. Byberi’s death and issued its ‘condomes’ to his bereaved loved ones.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: ‘Our condolences go out to Mr Byberi’s family and friends. We have contacted them to explain our role and will keep them informed as our investigation progresses.
“When a person dies after contact with the police, it is important that we carry out a thorough and independent investigation that looks at all the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
‘After being forcibly notified, IOPC investigators went to the home and took over a forensic examination of the scene.
‘IOPC investigators also attended post-incident police proceedings, where the officers involved provided their accounts.
“We will continue to gather evidence that will allow us to reconstruct the events that took place.”
Juliet Spender, Irwin Mitchell’s lawyer who is supporting the family, said: “While it is right that a thorough investigation is underway into what happened, it is understandable that Sali’s loved ones have a number of concerns about the events. that took place the day he died”.
“We are now supporting the family at this distressing time to help investigate the circumstances surrounding Sali’s death and provide them with the answers they deserve.”