Taser death under investigation

TOWNSVILLE, Australia, June 12 (UPI) -- An Australian man died Friday morning after being electronically stunned during a confrontation with police, officials said.

Queensland Police Minister Neil Roberts said the Ethical Standards Commission will investigate the man's death, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported. Officials said the man was Tasered at least three times.

The confrontation took place in Brandon near Townsville. Officers said the man had an iron bar and broken glass.

Ian Leavers, president of the Queensland Police Union, said the officers were trying to help the man and did all they could.

"Police were trying to protect this man, as well as detain him, as well as protect their own lives. ... This man was self-harming as well," he said.

An autopsy was scheduled for Saturday in Townsville. Police said the case was being treated as a death in custody.