A man remains missing in the Delaware River and is believed to have drowned after he jumped in after allegedly attempting to take a boat.
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Bristol Township police Detective Lt. C.J. Winik told LevittownNow.com on Friday that the man has not been identified or recovered since he disappeared under the river on Wednesday.
Authorities from two states and the U.S. Coast Guard have used boats and helicopters to search the mighty river in Bristol Borough and Bristol Township.
The incident began around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday when 9-1-1 received a report of suspicious activity in the 6600 block of Radcliffe Street.
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Upon arrival, police learned the man allegedly attempted to steal a pontoon boat that was anchored in the river in the township.
When the owner of the boat and other nearby residents confronted the man, the suspect allegedly jumped into the Delaware River just south of the I-95/Pennsylvania Turnpike bridge in an effort to escape capture, police said.
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The property owner and nearby residents attempted to rescue the man using a flotation device, but the man went underwater and failed to resurface, police said.
Shortly after the incident began, the New Jersey State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard were searching the river in boats.
Before returning to base late Tuesday night, an MH-65 Dolphin search and rescue helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City hovered low above the river between Tullytown Borough and Bristol Township’s Croydon area for an hour.
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While drowning along the river aren’t uncommon, incidents involving suspects in crimes are more rare.
Police asked residents to call Detective Alex Asmann at 215-812-3037 if they have any information on the missing individual or his whereabouts.
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