EAST DEER, Pa. — Police searched early Friday for a man involved in a chase who jumped off the New Kensington Bridge into the Allegheny River.
East Deer police told Channel 11 News that the chase began shortly before midnight Thursday when the driver failed to stop at a stop sign on Route 28. Police followed him to the Sheetz at the corner of Freeport Road, where he stopped briefly and took off.
Police pursued the man for 2 miles on Freeport Road while the driver threw things out the window. Police said they recovered some evidence but would not say what.
Allegheny County police said officers could see the driver swimming away, but eventually lost sight of him. They are not sure if he survived.
During the pursuit, the driver turned onto the bridge and stopped. Police said he jumped out of the car and leaped off the bridge.
Firefighters from East Deer and New Kensington helped supply light for investigators, and Eureka Fire Rescue sent out its rescue boat. A dive team was also called, but the man was not found.
The search was called off after about two hours. Police said they may go back on Friday to look for the person, depending on river conditions.
Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.