Watch CBS News

Police Search Allegheny River For Burglary, Car Theft Suspect

HARRISON TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - A Harrison Township man accused of burglary, car theft and assaulting his mother remains on the run after eluding police Wednesday morning by jumping in the Allegheny River.

According to police, Jacob Fisher, 20, of Harrison Township, was involved in a police chase earlier this week that started in Tarentum and ended in a fiery crash. He is also wanted in connection with an assault in a home on Fifth Avenue in Tarentum on Sunday.

Police spotted him on Wednesday and he took off.

"I think he's very desperate," Sgt. Justin Bouch, of Harrison Township Police, said. "Someone like that, that you're chasing. You never know what to expect."

Police say Fisher leapt into the Allegheny River Wednesday morning to get away from cops. It happened near the Allegheny Technology Plant in Harrison Township.

"He went down a hillside, into the river. He swam out about 70 yards and was floating down stream," said Sgt. Bouch.

Rescue boats assisted in the search.

Eventually, police spotted him escaping through a drainage pipe. They thought they had him trapped, until they saw maps of the area.

"We sat on one side of the pipe, had another guy at the other side. But about an hour or so later, we found out the pipe was Y-ed," Sgt. Bouch said.

Eventually, Fisher turned up at a nearby gas station. An employee recognized him immediately.

"I saw it on the news, 12 o'clock news," said clerk John Spencer. "I watch the news every day, and I know it's right over the hill. It was like, 'Holy cow!' you know?"

Fisher fled from the gas station in an unknown vehicle. Police consider him dangerous.

"I know the only person I believe he's assaulted is his mother," said Sgt. Bouch. "If he's willing to do that, then I think he's willing to hurt anybody."

Police say if you see Fisher, don't approach him. Instead, call 911.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.