A 42-year-old man died in police custody after he ran from officers early Friday in the parking lot of a Phoenix convenience store, authorities said.

A Phoenix police officer stopped Eddie Roy Eugene Windle shortly before 2:30 a.m. in the parking lot of a QuikTrip convenience store on the northwest corner of 27th and Northern avenues, according to Sgt. Tommy Thompson, a Phoenix police spokesman.

The 2007 Hyundai sedan, a rental car that Windle had borrowed from someone else, was parked diagonally in a handicapped space but displayed no handicapped placard, Thompson said.

Authorities said a second man was inside the car.

According to Phoenix police, when the officer asked Windle for his driver's license, he said he didn't have one and walked around the sedan to the passenger side and removed rental papers from the glove box.

As the officer was reviewing the paperwork, two additional police officers arrived, and shortly afterward Windle left the car and began running east through the parking lot, authorities said.

The 42-year-old was nearly struck by a vehicle while crossing 27th Avenue and fled south across Northern Avenue into an alley and behind a dumpster, officials said.

According to police, the officer who chased Windle drew his gun and called for the 42-year-old to come out, but Windle continued "doing something behind the dumpster" that could not be seen.

Windle eventually appeared, but authorities said as the officer attempted to take him into custody, a struggle ensued. A second police officer arrived.

Authorities said the officers determined Windle was wearing a holster, and the struggle continued on the ground as Windle refused to put his hands behind his back. Authorities said he was eventually handcuffed by both officers.

According to police, Windle complained of having difficulty breathing during the struggle. After he was handcuffed, the officers determined he was no longer breathing, and police reportedly removed the handcuffs and began CPR until Phoenix firefighters arrived. Windle was reportedly taken to a local hospital where he died. His cause of death is unknown and pending an investigation by the county medical examiner's office, officials said.

According to Phoenix police, Windle was on federal parole for a weapons violation, and had been to prison numerous times and was a member of a prison gang.

Police believe a 9mm pistol found near the scene was thrown by Windle.

Officials said the officers involved in the struggle, a 45-year-old with nine years of service with Phoenix police, and a 33-year-old man with 10 years of service, both sustained minor injuries.

The incident is being investigated by the Phoenix Police Department Homicide Bureau and Professional Standards Bureau, which is considered standard procedure, officials said.

12 News reporter Chris Hrapsky contributed to this story.