Suspect arrested after eluding police via culvert pipe in Harrison Township

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Authorities have captured a burglary suspect who eluded police Wednesday when he went into a culvert pipe along the Allegheny River in Harrison Township. %

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Chopper 11 flew over the scene of search efforts Wednesday morning when a rescue boat was seen near the pipe, which police and emergency responders had surrounded. The scene of the search was in the area of Karns Road.

Police said they attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the man’s vehicle. They said he got out, ran and then jumped into the river. He swam out about 70 yards before turning back and going inside the culvert.

was told by police that they used cameras to try to find the man, who was later identified as 20-year-old Jacob Fisher, inside the pipe. They also looked at maps to determine where the pipe leads. %

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The search was called off about 1 p.m. because of safety concerns from a possible buildup of methane gas in the pipe, Channel 11's Lori Houy reported.

Fisher was arrested late Wednesday night in West Mifflin after he fled from a Walmart, which police said he tried to steal from and then got into a scuffle with a manager.

“We typically don't have anything happen here, so it's pretty crazy,” said Kayla Hutton, who lives on the street where Fisher was later arrested.

Fisher, who is currently on probation for simple assault, was wanted out of Tarentum on a burglary charge, Tomazic reported. Police said he assaulted his mother on Sunday and stole money from her.

On Tuesday morning, he led police on a chase in a stolen truck through Brackenridge, Tarentum and Harrison.

Cox Media Group