Man who died in custody after running nude in Phoenix is identified

Police say verbally, physically assaulted them before restraining suspect

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY/AP) - The Phoenix Police Department (PPD) confirms they have officially identified a man whom died while in custody Friday.

Officers say it began around 12:45 a.m. when they heard about a man running north of downtown Phoenix naked. When police found 28-year-old Jessee Rickman, he was reportedly acting crazy and making senseless statements.

According to the PPD, Rickman wouldn't listen to officers when they asked him to get off the road. So, they requested additional help.

However, police say Rickman began to kick and spit as officers tried to contain him on the ground. This prompted them to handcuff him, apply a leg restraint and place a spit mask over his head.

Rickman later became nonverbal and unresponsive, officers report.

They removed Rickman's restraints and took him to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.