Wanted N.J. Suspect Leaps Off Bridge Into Passaic River, Escapes Capture In Sewers: Police

A wanted New Jersey suspect eluded capture by jumping into the Passaic River and making his escape through a storm drain on Wednesday, authorities say.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, Harrison police officers stopped the man in traffic around 1 p.m., and were in pursuit when he swam across the river and climbed onto a support on the Bridge Street bridge, a swing bridge over the Passaic River connecting Newark and Harrison.

The man remained on the support before plunging back into the river and making his escape into a storm drain, police said.

Authorities eventually suspended their search until Thursday morning, when it was set to resume. In addition, workers with the Passaic Valley Sewer Commission were slated to continue support efforts for the manhunt using specialized equipment, police said.

During a Thursday press conference, authorities said that the fugitive may have been trapped by rising water in the sewer system.

"It was a rescue effort, but unless he got out, and right now no one has seen him get out, it will be a recovery [effort]," Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said.

Some dangers the suspect may face in the sewers include eight feet of water, sewer gases and high tide, Ambrose said.

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