Man Drowns In Delaware River After Trying To Steal Boat: Police

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — Bristol Township Police are investigating an incident Tuesday night in which a man drowned in the Delaware River after trying to steal a boat.

Bristol Township Police said they responded to a report of a man in the water in the Delaware River at 8:31 p.m. Tuesday.

Police responded to the 6600 Block of Radcliffe Street for a report of a man attempting to steal a Pontoon boat, which was anchored in the river.

When confronted by the owner and neighbors, the man jumped into the water, police said. The property owner and area residents attempted to rescue the man, who did not use the floatation device provided.

The man was underwater and did not resurface, police said. They have called the incident a drowning.

New Jersey State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard utilized boats and an aviation unit in attempts to locate the man. He has not been located or identified at this time, police said.

Anyone with information about the man's identity should contact Detective Asmann of the Bristol Township Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 216-812-3037.