Elgin firefighters resumed their search of the Fox River Saturday for a man who reportedly went into the water while fleeing police Friday morning.
“As of 7 p.m., the individual in the Fox River has not yet been located,” a social media post said Friday night. “Recovery efforts utilized thus far have included use of rescue boats equipped with sonar equipment and certified rescue divers in the Fox River. Efforts have ceased for this evening and will resume (Saturday) morning.”
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According to an earlier police post, officials were alerted about 10:50 a.m. Friday that a man was interfering with railroad operations near Highland Avenue and State Street. They were able to make contact with him, but he went into the river rather than surrendering to police.
As he was fleeing, officers observed the suspect was carrying a large knife, the post said.
Firefighters tried to rescue him in the water and bring him back to shore, but he went under water and was unable to be located, police said.
The fire department activated a Mutual Aid Box Alarm which brought out fire departments from Algonquin, West Dundee, St. Charles, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect and other departments to assist at the scene.
Rescue boats remained on the scene Friday afternoon, and police urged people to “avoid the area” until the situation is resolved.
No other details on what triggered the pursuit of the man were provided.
The incident prompted the cancellation of the Elgin Downtown Market, which is typically held from 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays on Riverside Drive.
The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin said its weekly Friday market will resume Friday, July 3, with special hours of 3 to 8 p.m. because it is the first Friday of the month.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.