NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — A water rescue mission has now been suspended in Niagara Falls.
According to Niagara Falls Police, the incident started around 3:20am on Tuesday. Officers received a call from a man living in the 8000 block of West Rivershore Drive, claiming he caught a man breaking into his pick-up truck. The homeowner chased the suspect who then reportedly jumped into the Niagara River in what police believe was an attempt to swim to Buffalo Avenue. The homeowner told police he saw the man struggling to swim and was calling for help, but the homeowner lost site of him. The suspect was last seen in the water near the boat docks on the 7700 block of Buffalo Avenue.
Once police arrived on scene, they searched the shore but to no avail. The Coast Guard was then called in to commence a search which lasted for approximately six hours. Helicopter support was also requested but crews could not take-off because of inclement weather.
Calls were also made to local hospitals. At this point the suspect has not been found. Based on information from eyewitnesses police say it's very possible the suspect did not make it out of the water, but the investigation is continuing.
We'll continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
