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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — An eastern Tennessee man has died after deputies say he hit his head against the pavement while resisting arrest.

Attorney Troy Bowlin II told the Knoxville News Sentinel (http://bit.ly/2a4TzJV ) that 25-year-old Anthony M. Edwards of Sevierville was declared dead Wednesday. Bowlin represents Edwards’ family.

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that Edwards resisted a pat down while deputies were investigating a report of “suspicious persons” early Monday near Maryville.

Deputies say Edwards continued to fight once he was in custody and kicked a deputy in the groin. Deputy Jerry Burns said as he took Edwards to the ground, Edwards hit his head on the pavement.

Deputies noticed Edwards had labored breathing and called for medical assistance. He was taken to a Knoxville hospital, where he died.

Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Marian O’Briant says Edwards was white, and so are the deputies.

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Information from: Knoxville News Sentinel, http://www.knoxnews.com