Man Dies Following Confrontation With Police In The Bronx
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - A man has died after a confrontation with police at a Bronx bodega Wednesday night.
Jose Muniz was spotted putting an unknown substance - possibly drugs - into his mouth by a sergeant and two undercover officers on Jerome Avenue at around 10 p.m. Wednesday, police said. The officers ordered Muniz, 52, to take the substance out of his mouth, but he refused.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly characterized the substance as a "golf ball size" bag of cocaine.
A struggle ensued as police attempted to arrest him, according to the NYPD. Kelly said officers used pepper spray during the arrest.
That's when Muniz collapsed, apparently choking on the baggie, according to Kelly. The officers attempted CPR and rushed him to an area hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival, police said.
An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death.
Muniz had 32 prior arrests, including weapons and narcotics possession, police said. His most recent arrest took place in May.
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