Controversy Surrounds Ottawa Man’s Death

A coroner’s jury weighed in on the death of an Ottawa man who police say died after jumping into a river to escape.

The jury ruled yesterday that 51 year old Joseph Engel’s death was accidental.  He died late November at Ottawa Regional Hospital after rescuers pulled him out of the Fox River and started CPR.

Investigators say Engle jumped in the river after an officer pulled him over for a warrant.  The officer says Engle bit him on the hand when he tried to put handcuffs on.  Engle eventually jumped over a wall and into the river.

Engle’s family disputes the story and plan to file a civil suit.