Police watchdog finds relatives of man fall to his death in peckham rooftop after taser.

Police Watchdog Appeals for Relatives of Man Who Fell to His Death in Peckham

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has issued an appeal to locate the family members of a man who tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Peckham after being Tasered by the police.

Fatal Incident in Rye Hill Park

Zodoq Obatolah, aged 52, sustained fatal injuries when he fell from a fifth-floor balcony in Rye Hill Park during the early hours of April 12. Police officers initially responded to a call regarding a man shouting from a balcony just before midnight. However, they received no response from inside the flat and subsequently departed.

Around 1.25am the following day, officers received another report concerning a man making threats to jump from a balcony.

Police Intervention and Tragic Outcome

The IOPC has disclosed that police officers forcibly entered the property around 2am and attempted to persuade the man to re-enter while requesting the presence of a police negotiator at the scene. During the following hour, some officers left the flat, leaving two officers inside. Evidence suggests that an officer discharged their Taser shortly before the man fell from the balcony railing at approximately 3.20am.

Despite being rushed to the hospital with critical injuries, the man succumbed to his injuries later that day.

Investigation and Police Officers’ Status

Two Metropolitan Police officers are currently subject to a criminal investigation for gross negligence manslaughter in connection with Mr. Obatolah’s death. Additionally, they have received gross misconduct notices for potentially violating police standards of professional conduct. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily imply that criminal charges or proceedings will follow.

IOPC Appeals for Help in Identifying Relatives

The IOPC has made a public appeal to identify any relatives of Zodoq Obatolah. Mel Palmer, IOPC regional director, emphasized the importance of locating Mr. Obatolah’s family and invited anyone with relevant information to come forward. The IOPC has conducted house-to-house inquiries and launched a witness appeal to assist in this effort.

Individuals with information concerning Zodoq Obatolah or his family are urged to contact the IOPC through email at operationacresford@policeconduct.gov.uk or by phone at 03003035592.