An inquest into the death of Oladeji Omishore, a 41-year-old man who drowned in the River Thames, has revealed that police officers fired a stun gun at him three times before he fell from Chelsea Bridge in June 2022. The hearing, which opened on Monday, has shed new light on the events leading up to his tragic death.
Incident on Chelsea Bridge
Police responded to multiple emergency calls on June 4, 2022, reporting a man shouting and waving what appeared to be a knife or screwdriver in the middle of the road near Chelsea Bridge. Upon arrival, officers confronted Omishore and ordered him to drop what they believed was a weapon. It was later confirmed to be a long gas lighter.
Body-worn camera footage played at the inquest showed an officer using a Taser on Omishore three times in quick succession. The footage captures the officer issuing the warning, “Drop the screwdriver or you will be Tasered,” before discharging the stun gun. Omishore fell to the ground, rolling in apparent distress as officers continued to issue commands.
Despite the Taser strikes, Omishore managed to run towards the edge of the bridge. One officer maintained aim with the stun gun while another moved closer. Moments later, Omishore climbed over the railings and plunged into the Thames, where he ultimately drowned.
999 Calls and Mental Health Concerns
The inquest heard audio from multiple 999 calls describing Omishore’s erratic behavior before police arrived. Witnesses noted his apparent mental distress. One caller stated, “He doesn’t look like he’s in the right frame of mind.” Another said, “I don’t think he’s actually threatening violence, I think he’s just ill.” A separate witness reported seeing him outside Lister Hospital, appearing “very, very unwell.”
Investigations and Police Response
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation into the case, which was later expanded after the Metropolitan Police initially provided inaccurate details about the incident. Police statements made at the time failed to clarify that the object in Omishore’s possession was a lighter rather than a screwdriver.
Footage presented at the inquest confirmed that an officer retrieved the lighter from the ground immediately after Omishore’s fall, contradicting early police reports.
Family’s Tribute and Call for Justice
Omishore’s family described him as a “kind and gentle soul” who had battled drug addiction but was working towards recovery. He had been declared drug-free in March 2022 following a successful rehab program.
His father recounted a heartfelt moment between Omishore and his sister’s newborn daughter, whom he had met just a week before his death. “Deji held his baby niece in his arms, telling his sister after how he cherished this moment. None of us imagined that it would be his last time holding her,” he said.
Despite reconnecting with family in 2021 after years of estrangement, Omishore had withdrawn again days before his death, expressing a desire to be left alone.
“The pain of his loss is indescribable, and the haunting manner of his death is a memory we cannot erase,” his father said. “As a family, we continue to seek justice and answers, knowing that while we cannot bring him back – we can do that.”
The inquest into Omishore’s death continues, with further scrutiny expected over police actions and the use of force in handling the situation.
