An auto-theft suspect arrested yesterday at a McCully gas station died last night at Straub Clinic & Hospital.

The man, 38, was in cardiac arrest when taken to Straub about 7:30 a.m. after a struggle with police, city emergency services spokesman Bryan Cheplic said. The man died about 7 p.m. at the hospital.

The man, described as 5 feet 8 and nearly 280 pounds, had a heart condition, police said. Officers recovered methamphetamine and a glass pipe in the stolen rental car he was driving.

Police went to the Tesoro station at King Street and Kalakaua Avenue after someone reported a man apparently asleep in a car near a gas pump.

Police ran a check and learned the vehicle had been reported as stolen.

The man was awakened and became agitated and combative toward officers, police said. A struggle ensued, and officers gained control of the man and handcuffed him. The man lost consciousness.

An autopsy has been scheduled for today.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.