Elgin Police Call Off Fox River Search for Armed Man Who Fled Officers Into Water
Elgin police called off a two-day Fox River search for a man who fled officers with a large knife and ran into the water downtown. Multiple fire departments participated in the recovery effort.
A man with a large knife jumped into the Fox River while fleeing Elgin police, triggering a two-day search that ended without a recovery
Elgin police ended an extensive water rescue search Saturday afternoon for a man who ran into the Fox River while fleeing officers downtown. The man had been carrying a large knife, according to police.
The incident began about 10:52 a.m. Friday when Elgin officers responded to the area of Highland Avenue and State Street for a report of a man interfering with railroad operations, according to an Elgin Police Department news release.
Police made contact with the man, but he fled on foot and ran into the river rather than surrendering.
"Officers observed the suspect was carrying a large knife" as he was fleeing, the police post said.
Multiple fire departments join the search
The Elgin Fire Department activated a Mutual Aid Box Alarm, calling out fire departments from Algonquin, West Dundee, St. Charles, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect and other communities to assist.
Rescue boats equipped with sonar equipment and certified rescue divers searched the Fox River Friday afternoon, according to the police department. Firefighters attempted to rescue the man in the water and bring him to shore, but he went underwater and could not be located, police said.
The initial search was paused at 7 p.m. Friday due to darkness and resumed Saturday morning.
"As of 7 p.m., the individual in the Fox River has not yet been located," a social media post said Friday night. "Efforts have ceased for this evening and will resume (Saturday) morning."
After a second day of searching, officials called off the effort Saturday afternoon.
"At this time, search efforts have concluded," the Elgin Police Department said in a Facebook post. "The investigation is ongoing, and an update will be provided in the next few days."
Community impact
The search prompted the cancellation of the Elgin Downtown Market, which is typically held from 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays on Riverside Drive. Police urged people to avoid the area while the search was underway.
The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin said its weekly Friday market would resume Friday, July 3, with special hours of 3 to 8 p.m. because it is the first Friday of the month.
No other details on what triggered the initial police encounter were provided. The identity of the man has not been released.
Detectives from the Elgin Police Department's Major Investigations Division are continuing to investigate the incident, according to police.