OTTAWA, Ill. — A man died Tuesday night following an attempt to flee from police by jumping into the Illinois River, according to La Salle County Sheriff Tom Templeton.

Joseph J. Engel, 51, drowned Tuesday after he reportedly bit an officer, jumped over a wall and then drowned in the Illinois River. He was pulled from the water, but later died at Ottawa Regional Hospital.

At about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Engel was seen by an Ottawa police officer walking on Columbus Street in Ottawa, just north of Main Street. The officer knew Engel was wanted on an outstanding warrant, Templeton said.

As the officer attempted to put him in handcuffs, Engel fought with the officer and bit him on the hand. Engel then reportedly ran from the scene toward the parking lot across the street, Templeton said.

The officer pursued Engel on foot, and other officers began to arrive to assist. The officers observed Engel go over a wall and down to another level, where the officer heard a splash, Templeton said. He then saw Engel in the water.

The officer called to Engel in an attempt to get him to a location where the officers could get him out of the water. But Engel then went under the water and did not resurface, Templeton said.

Ottawa River Rescue and Ottawa Fire Department were called to try rescuing Engel.

Rescue crews were successful in recovering Engel from the water. He was then taken to Ottawa Regional Hospital, but later died.

The La Salle County Sheriff's Office and the La Salle County Coroner's Office are continuing the investigation into the incident.

An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday morning.