After Chase Waltham Police Officer Falls Through Armory Floor

WALTHAM, MA — A Waltham police officer fell through the floor of the old Armory near Children's Hospital this morning while he was chasing two people believed to have attempted to break into cars in the area, police said.

Waltham Police officers responded to the area of 40 Highland Street on a report of an attempted car break in just before noon and chased two people down the street toward the old vacant Armory at Curtis and Sharon streets. Police followed them inside but when one of the officers went in, the floor gave way and he fell about 10 feet below.

"The officer landed on his feet on the basement floor of the building and suffered minor injury," said Waltham Police in a press release at 3 p.m.

Several police units as well as a Cataldo ambulance a Waltham Fire Department engine and medic responded, according to Waltham Fire officials. The officer was evaluated on site by fire and ambulance first responders and then taken to an area hospital for further evaluation.

News helicopters circled the area after a police scanner reported the incident. The old building has been vacant for some time at 34 Sharon Street and sits right behind Children's Hospital.

Fire department officials are trained in rescue efforts so when someone is trapped in a structure, such as the old Armory fire responds in the event their tools or training is needed, said fire officials.

Police said they are still looking for the two suspects.

By 2 p.m. police radioed that the scene was all clear and that they had notified the owner of the property to secure the building.

Watch City LLC sold the building to Heritage Hall, LLC in 2014. George Haddad of Boston the Founder and CEO at Liaison International is the name attached to that LLC.

This is a breaking news update we will add as we get more information.

Photo courtesy Waltham City Hall