A Multnomah County grand jury found that no laws were broken by police in the case of a man who died in police custody, the District Attorney said Tuesday.

James Chasse

Forty-two-year-old James Chasse died last month in a Portland patrol car on his way to the hospital after a scuffle with officers in Northwest Portland on September 17. His family said Chasse was mentally ill.

  Death in police custody prompts investigation

According to Brian Schmautz of the Portland Police, the police bureau was told that the D.A.'s office got a "not true" bill on Tuesday.

District Attorney Michael Schrunk said that the jury heard from 30 witnesses and examined evidence, including Chasse's history of mental health in the case before finding there was "no criminal responsibility" in his death.

At a news conference Tuesday, Police Chief Rosanne Sizer said she and officers regretted Chasse's death, and that officers involved were devastated.

Sizer added that the incident was the "most controversial" thing she had faced so far as chief, and that she wanted to make five points -- First, that the bureau had the responsibility to fully investigate the incident. And secondly, that internal affairs would examine policies regarding police action and training.

Sizer also said that officers actions should not be tried in a "court of public opinion." Sizer said police were committed to getting out as much information in the case as soon as possible, and lastly that information regarding standard police operations would be communicated to the public.

  Portland Police case documents

Sizer also recommended police get more emergency medical training.

The Chasse family said they would issue a statement on Wednesday.

The cause of death was listed as accidental, from blunt force trauma to the chest, examiners said.

Chasse had 16 broken ribs, a punctured lung and internal bleeding, according to the state medical examiner's autopsy report that was later released by his family.

Chasse’s family and some witnesses said they believed police used excessive force.

Police identified the officers involved Chasse’s custody as Sgt. Kyle Nice, 39, a 14-year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau, officer Christopher Humphreys, 31, a seven-year veteran of the bureau and Dep. Brett Burton, 26, a two-year veteran with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)