The mother of a 25-year-old Tiverton man, who died after an apparent struggle with Portsmouth police officers Friday, is now blaming police for her son's death. 

Brenda Raposa of Portsmouth says authorities are at fault in the death of her son, Craig Raposa, reports The Newport Daily News. 

She also told The Newport Daily News that her son was bipolar. A phone message left for Brenda Raposa was not returned Tuesday. 

State Police are now investigating the incident and what led to Craig Raposa's death Friday. The Office of the State Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. 

Victim had history of mental illness, police say

Portsmouth Police Chief Lance Hebert said Raposa had a history of mental illness. 

"We have confirmation he was diagnosed with a mental illness," Hebert said. 

The Portsmouth Fire Department was called by Raposa on Friday at 11:22 a.m. to check the welfare of his mother who lives at the Bay View Estates. 

Portsmouth Rescue arrived first and "found Mr. Raposa's mother to be fine, but determined that Mr. Raposa, who was on scene himself, seemed to be experiencing psychological difficulties," according to a press release issued by Portsmouth police Tuesday. 

At first, Raposa was "cooperative" with police, but at some point, "attempted to flee." 

"Initially, Mr. Raposa was cooperative and in agreement; however, as fire and police personnel were escorting Mr. Raposa to the rescue, Mr. Raposa suddenly became combative and attempted to flee the scene," according to the press release. 

Police use pepper spray during struggle

According to the press release, one police officer attempted to restrain Raposa and a struggle ensued. Raposa was then hit with pepper spray. 

"It was a short burst," Hebert said when asked how much pepper spray was used. 

"Due to Mr. Raposa’ s physical size and strength accompanied with him being combative, the police officer was forced to release an OC spray in an attempt to subdue Mr. Raposa while trying to handcuff  him, the results of the OC had no apparent affect and the struggle continued," according to the press release.

A former football player, Raposa reportedly weighed around 300 lbs. 

"At that time Portsmouth Rescue personnel, a  nearby civilian and Mr. Raposa’ s mother then attempted to assist the officer in gaining control of him. Mr. Raposa continued to violently resist their efforts," according to the press release. 

"Once two additional officers arrived on the scene, Mr. Raposa was successfully restrained. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Raposa became unresponsive and was transported to the Newport Hospital, where he was pronounced dead."

Hebert said a report of Raposa being unresponsive on the ground for 15 minutes is "completely false."

Two police officers were injured during the struggle, said Hebert. One officer injured his wrist while another officer sustained bruising. Both officers have since been treated for minor injuries and released.