Connecticut State police are investigating the Derby Police Department, after a man dies while being arrested.
James Thieringer, 43, of Ansonia stopped breathing in the parking lot of River Restaurant in Derby, investigators said.
His family said they want answers.
"His wife was wondering where he was," Scott Thieringer, James' younger brother, said. "She went out about 12:30 and drove all over the place. Finally she went to the police station and I'm just wondering why they didn't say anything earlier? Didn't call her earlier? Didn't do anything?"
Derby police officers were called to the parking lot of the restaurant around 11 p.m. Friday night and Thieringer was in a violent fight with two other men, state investigators said.
When police arrived, they handcuffed Thieringer, but he showed signs of medical distress and within moments he stopped breathing.
"Something just doesn't seem right." says Scott Theiringer. His brother Peter Theiringer agrees. "We think there are a lot of unanswered questions that we hope to get the answers to," Peter said.
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The family hopes answers will come from the State Police Major Crimes Unit which is conducting a use of force investigation.
For now, the Thieringers say all they have are the memories of their big brother.
"He had a soft spot for kids, even though he didn't have any children of his own. He was really good to my daughter and step sons." says Peter.
The owner of River Restaurant says the two other men involved in the fight with Theiringer were not customers or employees of his restaurant.
The Theiringer family says funeral arrangements are being made for this Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Medical Examiner had conducted an autopsy and will determine the exact cause of death. State police ask witnesses to report anything they saw.
