WEST WARWICK, R.I. (AP) – A 47-year-old man has died after a scuffle with police.

Police responded to a report of suspects damaging a sign outside Joyal’s Liquor Store Friday night and found Mark Jackson standing behind the store.

Police say Jackson became combative and they used pepper spray to try to subdue him. When that didn’t work, they struck his legs with batons and eventually were able to handcuff him, according to The Providence Journal.

Several officers were knocked to the ground.

During the two minute trip to the police station, Jackson stopped breathing. Emergency workers were unable to revive him and he was later pronounced dead.

State police, the attorney general’s office, and West Warwick police are investigating the death.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/

AP-ES-06-29-08 1134EDT