BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) \u2014 A man died after he jumped into the Erie Canal in an attempt to evade police in Tonawanda early Thursday morning.<\/p>\n
Police attempted to pull over a car just after 1:10 a.m. Thursday near Main Street and Niagara Street in Tonawanda. The driver proceeded over Renaissance Bridge into North Tonawanda.<\/p>\n
Police then attempted a traffic stop on Webster Street in North Tonawanda before the person jumped into Erie Canal in an attempt to avoid police. During a rescue attempt the man went unconsciousness and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.<\/p>\n
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Police said it was discovered that the unidentified 36-year-old man had warrants out for his arrest from two other law enforcement agencies in Erie County.<\/p>\n
According to department policy, the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave. The Erie County District Attorney\u2019s Office and the state attorney general\u2019s office have also been notified.<\/p>\n
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Aidan Joly was named News 4\u2019s Digital Executive Producer in 2025. He has been on staff since 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n