Investigation underway in Phoenix after man dies while in police custody

Man died while in police custody in Phoenix

Phoenix Police officials say they are investigating an incident where a man died while in their custody on Friday. FOX 10's Matt Galka reports.

PHOENIX - Phoenix police are investigating after a man died while in their custody near 7th Avenue and McDowell early Friday morning, officials said.

Just before 1 a.m., officers received a call about a male walking naked on the street.

"Apart from being nude, he was speaking incoherently," a police official said. "He was speaking about God and the devil and things like that. Our concern shifted to his welfare. He was in the middle of the road."

Police officials said the man tried to fight officers before they were able to restrain him.

"When officers did that, he became aggressive and started fighting with officers. They handcuffed, put him on the ground and utilized a leg restraint," said a police official.

Police say they put the man into a recovery position, on his side rather than on his stomach. The Phoenix Fire Department later came in to do a medical evaluation.

"One of the things we’ll do as part of our investigation is canvass the area, speak to those neighbors, see if anyone recognized him or was he just walking through the area from another part of town," said one police official.

Police have identified the man as 28-year-old Jessee Rickman. They said officers who responded to the call were wearing body cameras.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 10 for updates.