Man dies after altercation with police

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The Albuquerque Police Department tell News 13 that 38 year old Jerry Perea died at a local hospital.

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Police are investigating an incident involving a man leaving a crime scene at 4th Street and San Lorenzo Avenue.

Officers responded to a domestic violence call on the 100 Block of Mescalero early Monday morning where they were unable to locate a suspect.

Police began a search, an hour and a half later they found the 38 year-old suspect was riding a bicycle at 4th Street and San Lorenzo Avenue.

Police said the obese man then got off and attacked the officers. The officers attempted to subdue the man but they were overpowered.

"That person became very upset," Chief Ray Schultz said. "He actually attacked one of the officers."

Officials say four civilians stepped into help when one officer fired a stun gun at the suspect. The suspect then hit the two officers with what is being described as a crucifix, injuring them both and causing a laceration to one of the officers heads.

"While rescue was attending to the officer, the subject began to have a medical type of condition. Went into cardiac arrest," Schultz said.

The suspect stopped breathing and paramedics tried to resuscitate him. He later died in the hospital.

"Obviously we're all interested to see exactly what happened as far as the autopsy results go," Schultz said.

The suspect has an extensive criminal history including previous charges of assault and battery on a police officer.

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