Woman dies after roadside breath test – moments after Western Australia Police issued her with a driving ban

A woman in her 50s died after being stopped by police for a roadside breath test in Mount Tarcoola, Western Australia. Police issued her with a driving prohibition notice and released her from custody; she later became unresponsive, was taken to hospital and was declared dead.

The stop took place on Brand Highway on Monday evening during a random testing operation, about 400 kilometres north of Perth. Police said she declined their offer of assistance but officers contacted St John WA as a precaution and gave first aid before paramedics arrived. The death is being treated as one in police presence, with the Internal Affairs Unit investigating and a report to be prepared for the coroner.