Alexandria Police identify man who died after punch to face
ALEXANDRIA, Minn. (KMSP) - Alexandria Police say a Park Rapids man died after being punched in the face in an Alexandria park early on Sunday morning.
Police identified him as 31-year-old Jeffrey Preston, according to a press release.
Witnesses told police Preston was walking along a sidewalk near Legion Park when he stopped near a group of people and he started yelling and swinging at a man in the group for "no apparent reason." The two men did not know each other.
After continuing to walk backwards and repeatedly telling Preston to leave the area, witnesses said Preston punched 19-year-old Kenneth Diaz of Alexandria. Diaz then punched Preston in the face and he fell to the ground. Witnesses called 911.
Officers detained Diaz for questioning and later released him.
Police say all witnesses have been cooperative.
The case is still under investigation as police await findings from the Medical Examiner's Office and case review by the Douglas County Attorney.
FIRST REPORT: Man dies after fight in park in Alexandria