Police say a Taser was fired but "does not appear to have made contact" with a man who died following a police pursuit in Flaxmere on Saturday night.
The suspect was driving on Henderson Rd in the Hawke's Bay town at about 11:35pm when he failed to stop for police. A short car chase ended on Swansea Rd when the 39-year-old got out of the vehicle.
"He assaulted an officer before fleeing on foot," police said on Sunday.
"A Taser was deployed twice early in the incident, about the time the officer was assaulted. It does not appear to have made contact on either occasion."
The man escaped and ran off. After chasing him on foot, the man was found at a property on Caernarvon Drive.
"At this point the driver suffered what appears to have been a medical event," a police spokesperson said.
Despite first aid, the man died at the scene. "Several investigations" are underway, police said.
"Our thoughts are with the man's family and friends at this extremely difficult time and we will ensure support is available to them," Supt Tania Kura said.
The officer who was assaulted suffered only minor injuries.
