Tuscaloosa police say a man collapsed and died Friday night after officers sprayed him with pepper spray while arresting him.
Anthony Dewayne Ware, 35, was pronounced dead at Druid City Hospital late Friday night, according to authorities.
Tuscaloosa Sgt. Brent Blankeley said Saturday that officers responded to a call that Ware, who was wanted on charges of attempting to evade arrest, was sitting on the front porch of an apartment. He was also wanted on a domestic violence charge. Police said Ware fled into nearby woods and struggled with officers when they caught up with him.
Police say officers sprayed the man with pepper spray and handcuffed him. They say Ware began having difficulty breathing and collapsed as they were walking out of the woods.
Authorities say the six officers involved in Ware's arrest and death will remain on duty during an investigation by the Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit.