A man collapsed and died shortly after he was placed in handcuffs in Te Puke this morning.
Police executed a search warrant at a Te Puke property at 8.45am this morning after a firearm was seen inside the property which resulted in a man in his 50s being placed in handcuffs.
Bay of Plenty Police Communications Manager Kim Perks said shortly after the male was placed in handcuffs, he collapsed of an apparent medical event. The handcuffs were immediately removed and police staff commenced CPR.
Ambulance arrived on scene, but the man was pronounced dead.
Although the man appeared verbally agitated, there was no physical struggle.