Man With Knife Flees Into Fox River, Prompting Water Rescue In Elgin

ELGIN, IL — Police and firefighters launched a water rescue operation Thursday after a man who was reportedly interfering with railroad operations fled from officers and entered the Fox River in Elgin, police said.

Officers responded to the area of Highland Avenue and State Street, where they contacted the man, according to the Elgin Police Department press release. He allegedly ran from officers and into the river, and officers reported seeing him carrying a large knife while he was fleeing.

The Elgin Fire Department deployed water rescue equipment in an effort to bring the man safely back to shore. During the rescue, the man went underwater, prompting firefighters to activate a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) for additional agencies to assist in the search, police said.

Authorities said no further updates were immediately available.