Phoenix police: Man dies in custody after chase, fight

A 43-year-old man died following a chase and scuffle with Phoenix police officers early Friday, authorities said.

The incident began about 2:30 a.m. when a Phoenix police officer stopped the man while he was in his vehicle in the parking lot of a QuikTrip convenience store on the northwest corner of 27th and Northern avenues. The man had parked in a handicap space.

Police said the man got out of his car and fled. The officer chased the man to an alley behind a business south of 26th and Northern avenues. That officer and a second officer caught up to the man in the alley.

There was a fight between the officers and the man, and the officers took the man to the ground and handcuffed him, police spokesman Sgt. Tommy Thompson said. The officers took him into custody and found he was not breathing, police said.

Phoenix Fire Department personnel took the man to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, Thompson said.

It was unclear what happened in the struggle and whether any Tasers or other weapons were used.