Man Falls, Dies After Chasing Cable Guy

VIENNA, Va. - Police in Virginia say an elderly man died after a fall that happened as he tried to stop a Verizon FIOS technician from leaving his house.

It happened on Wednesday around 5 p.m. when the technician came to 79-year-old Bill Cornelius' home on Ayrhill Avenue NE to install his service. Police say the technician had finished the installation and was trying to leave the home when Cornelius— who was apparently not satisfied with his service— followed him outside.

According to investigators, the man expressed his dissatisfaction and tried to block the technician's van from leaving the driveway. They say when Cornelius moved to the side of the van, the technician started to drive away. That's when police say the homeowner reached into the van through the window and grabbed the steering wheel.

At that point, the elderly man fell to the ground. Police say he suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

By neighbors' accounts, Cornelius was a nice man. He was the original owner of the house in this neighborhood. They say he was polite and nice, and he took care of his sick wife until she passed away. After that, they say, he continued to care for his mentally-challenged daughter.

Tom McVean is his friend, and worked on his house.

"We did a little work for him-- put a patio there so he always sat in the front yard," McVean told FOX 5.

Neighbors say he was very smart man, and it wasn't surprising that he might take issue with something that was done wrong. But, they say, to hear he grabbed the steering wheel seemed out of character for the man they knew.

FOX 5 spoke with Verizon about the incident. They say it was a tragic accident and they are cooperating with the police in this investigation. The Verizon technician has been interviewed.

Police advise people not to confront anyone in situations such as these. Instead, they suggest you call customer service and let them handle it.

Police say the investigation continues into the incident.