Newport police, fire cleared in custody death

The Orange County district attorney this week cleared Newport Beach fire and police personnel of wrongdoing in the death of a 54-year-old woman who collapsed in custody, authorities said.

Charlotte Jean Engle of Huntington Beach died of a stroke this summer. She suffered from hypertension and alcoholism, conditions that contributed to her death, according to an investigation from the D.A.’s office.

Newport Beach police arrested Engle on suspicion of driving under the influence after an accident July 1, 2011, in the parking lot at 2750 W. Coast Hwy. near a Wells Fargo, according to the investigation.

After an assessment from Newport Beach police and fire, police believed Engle was under the influence of alcohol and took her to Orange County Jail.

She was given medicine for high blood pressure and sent to a cell. While incarcerated, she fell and was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana. A doctor declared Engle brain dead July 3, 2011.

The D.A.’s office determined Newport Beach police and firefighters and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded appropriately and followed protocol relating to Engle’s death.

— Lauren Williams

Twitter: @lawilliams30