Autopsy: Toledo suspect died of natural causes in Connecticut jail

9/5/2008
ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW LONDON, Conn. Authorities say an Ohio man s death in a Connecticut jail cell this week was from natural causes.

Fifty-four-year-old James Dier of Toledo died soon after he became sick Wednesday while being held by New London, Conn., police.

A medical examiner says an autopsy has found Dier died from a heart attack and cirrhosis of the liver.

He had been arrested Wednesday evening on a disorderly conduct charge, accused of causing a disturbance.

Following the arrest, police received calls from store owners and returned to the area. Some witnesses questioned the use of force to subdue Dier.

After becoming ill in his cell, Dier was taken by ambulance to a hospital and was pronounced dead.