Man dies in west Phoenix following arrest at convenience store

PHOENIX — A 49-year-old man died early Sunday morning following his arrest in west Phoenix, authorities said.

Alexander Brown was taken into custody at the Circle K near 51st Avenue and McDowell Road at about 5:45 a.m. after reports of a fight inside the convenience store, Phoenix Police Sgt. Vince Lewis said in an email.

According to Lewis, Brown had been pushing customers and at one point locked the store’s doors with customers and staff inside.

After he was placed in the patrol car, Brown began hitting his head on the inside of the vehicle, prompting Phoenix Fire to respond, according to Lewis.

Brown became unresponsive while being evaluated and was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Lewis said.

Police did not identify a cause of death and said the investigation was ongoing.

Lewis said Brown, who was described as possibly impaired, resisted arrest but was taken into custody without the need for less-lethal tools.

The officers involved suffered no injuries and were wearing activated body cameras, according to Lewis.

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