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Source: ONE News -
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A man who collapsed and died as he was about to be arrested by police for disorderly behaviour has been described as harmless and in search of friendship.
Godfrey Easton, who was in his 60s, was being arrested at a Levin house about 6.30pm on Wednesday when he collapsed.
Friend Debbie Hullen said Easton, who was deaf, "always had a smile. He always said hello in his own way".
Tall and slender, Easton was well known in Levin and was often seen wandering around town, she said.
"People used to rark him up, they didn't understand why he yelled. He just wanted friendship. If you gave him the time of day, he was fine."
Police went to his home in Bristol St after a call from a neighbour reporting disorderly behaviour.
Two police officers put him in the recovery position but his condition deteriorated and attempts by ambulance staff to revive him at the scene were unsuccessful.
An autopsy will be carried out.
Neighbour Judy Shellard said she got a shock when she heard Mr Easton had died.
She believed he was diabetic and had not been taking his medication. "He needed help a long time ago."
Another neighbour, Rena Payton, said she had seen Mr Easton on Wednesday morning. She learned of his death from police late that night but was out when it happened.
She described him as harmless. "Yes, he was loud, but he was deaf - he couldn't hear himself."
The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, standard practice when anyone dies immediately after any form of contact with police.
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