BLACK MAN COLLAPSES WHILE IN POLICE CUSTODY

NYPD Officers try to help a man after he suffers an apparent asthma attack during his arrest

An unidentified Black man collapsed while in police custody on Saturday. The man, who was not immediately identified, was having an argument with his stepfather when police were called to the scene.

During the encounter with police, the man began complaining of chest pains and that he could not breathe. He collapsed moments later.

Arriving EMS and paramedics began working on the man as he lost consciousness. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital.

According to eyewitness reports at the scene, the two men were arguing in the street when the commotion escalated into a fight. Police from the 113th precinct in South Jamaica, Queens responded to the scene and immediately separated the two men.

"One guy was just shouting and cursing and going ballistic," said one eyewitness, who did not give his name.

According to another witness, the police allegedly injured the victim during his arrest.

"He started complaining to the police that he couldn't breathe," a woman at the scene said. "They were a little rough when they put him in the police car."

Another witness at the scene argued that, telling reporters, "I didn't see that. I was there before the police arrived," she said. "I didn't see the police get rough with him at all. He just started complaining about chest pains and the police tried to help him."

The man was placed under arrest at Jamaica Hospital pending assault charges, according to a police spokesperson.

The investigation is ongoing.