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Man dies after jumping into Erie Canal while fleeing police in New York
Police confirm the deceased had outstanding warrants from two agencies
A 36-year-old man has died after allegedly jumping into the Erie Canal in an attempt to evade police during an early morning traffic stop in Tonawanda, authorities said.
According to the City of Tonawanda Police Department, the incident unfolded around 1:12 a.m. on March 26, when officers observed a gray Volvo sedan commit a traffic violation near the intersection of Main and Niagara Streets.
After the vehicle crossed the Renaissance Bridge into North Tonawanda, officers initiated a stop on Webster Street.
Police said the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot, prompting a pursuit through a nearby alley toward Gateway Harbor along the canal.
During the chase, the man allegedly jumped into the canal in an effort to escape.
Officers responded with water rescue equipment and deployed a throw bag to reach the individual.
While pulling him toward shore, the man became unconscious, prompting an officer to enter the water and bring him out.
Lifesaving measures were performed at the scene before he was transported to a nearby hospital.
He was later pronounced dead at the facility. Authorities said a subsequent investigation revealed the man had outstanding warrants from two other law enforcement agencies in Erie County.
The man’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of his family. Police confirmed that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
