UPDATE: Police say before Paterson man died, he called 911 saying he took Ecstasy

PATERSON — On one side stood Paterson police officers, lined up with mace in their hands.

On the other side were protesters, some carrying posters and others holding cellphones to record the cops.

In between them Tuesday was the death of Jameek Lowery, a 27-year-old city man who recorded a video at Paterson police headquarters early Saturday, during which he said people including police officers were attempting to kill him.

Hundreds of people came to Paterson City Hall to show their outrage, sadness and in some cases fear following Lowery's death. The rally turned violent as witnesses said officers used mace on members of the crowd.

A large crowd could be seen running away from the Paterson Public Safety Complex building on Broadway. People could be seen coughing at the scene.

A message left for Paterson Police Director Jerry Speziale, who was at the rally, was not immediately returned.

"I have four sons myself and this is very scary," said Wana Fulcher while at the rally. "Your child can’t even walk down to the store without being harassed by an officer. Who can we run to? I thought the cops were there to protect and serve, and we can’t even call the cops to protect us. So who can we run to?"

Officers on motorcycles escorted the protesters as they marched down the streets and circled back to City Hall. At one point, the forward march halted and people could be seen yelling at the officers. One person yelled "you deserve to die not us."

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In front of City Hall people chanted "Justice for Jameek," "Black lives matter" and "No justice, no peace." Many people also yelled or chanted "[expletive] the police."

"We want to know what the hell happened," Shima McDonald said. "These cops acting like they don’t know what happened, they know what the [expletive] happened and we’re not going to stop. We’re not going to stop until we find out."

One woman at the rally turned around and saw the officers, put up her hands and said "I'm scared of y'all" before quickly walking away. Another woman responded to her and said, "Don't be scared of them, that's what they want."

Prosecutor's Office investigates

The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Tuesday that it is investigating the death of a Lowery.

Lowery posted a video through Facebook Live, family members said. In the video, Lowery said, “I’m just paranoid.”

The Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday offered a timeline into the hours leading up to the death of the father of three, including a 911 call at 2:45 a.m. Saturday, believed to be from him, saying he had taken Ecstasy and was paranoid.

More:'I'm just paranoid': Man dies in hospital days after recording frantic visit to police

Paterson firefighters rushed Lowery to a local hospital, the Prosecutor’s Office said. But after being left there, he became erratic and left the hospital. At 3:42 a.m., a 911 call was made, believed to be from Lowery, saying people were trying to kill him around Broadway and Memorial Drive.

Three minutes later, Lowery went inside city police headquarters, “where he appeared agitated,” the Prosecutor’s Office said. Once inside, Lowery then called 911. Paterson police requested the Fire Department, and soon after that Lowery was hospitalized.

Video of Lowery shows him near the front desk at police headquarters sweating profusely, pleading for help, asking for water and repeatedly saying someone was trying to kill him. The video was posted, family members said, at about 4 a.m.

“Per initial reports and information, police used physical force and compliance holds to secure Mr. Lowery in the ambulance,” the Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement. “Hospital records indicate no acute trauma.”

Police and fire records show Lowery was taken from police headquarters to the hospital in about five to 10 minutes, the Prosecutor’s Office said.

Lowery died on Monday.

Law enforcement sources said there is no evidence that any Paterson police officer assaulted the man during the incident.

But his brother, Jamir King, said Lowery suffered a broken cheekbone and fractured eye socket sometime after the recordings were filmed.

“His face wasn’t like that in the video,” King said.

In a statement Tuesday, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said he is supporting the investigation.

"In the meantime, I have expressed my condolences to the family of Mr. Lowery, who are suffering during this difficult time," Sayegh said. "I ask that all Patersonians share their prayers and condolences.”

Lashonda Suber said Lowery lived a floor below her for years and that he was kindhearted, generous and friendly.

"He never hurt nobody," added Robin Brown, who carried a banner displaying Lowery's picture Tuesday. "Never, never hurt nobody."

McDonald said she also lived nearby from Lowery and that he was always helpful.

"He didn’t deserve this at all," she said.