Rescue Underway For Cop, Suspect Who Fell Into Niagara Gorge

A police officer and the suspect he was chasing were rescued after falling into Niagara Gorge on Tuesday evening shortly after 5:30 p.m., according to media. The two men are reportedly alive, but their exact injuries are not known at this time.

The National Post reports that one man was rescued in a bucked that was lowered, and is in serious condition, according to early reports. He was then transported by ORNGE to Hamilton County General Hospital, the nearest trauma center, according to ORNGE spokeswoman Jennifer Tracey.

CP24 reports that the first man transported was the police officer. The remaining victim was rescued just before 9 p.m., and was taken by other emergency crews who were on the scene.

Witnesses saw the police officer chasing a man just before 5:30 p.m. today when the man jumped over a retaining wall. The Huffington Post reports that the two men fell into the gorge itself, not the waters, which would have made for an easier fall.

While Niagara Police refuse to comment on the incident or confirm details, spokesman Derek Watson stated that the Special Investigations Unit is on the scene. The National Post notes that the SIU is called when a civilian injury or death involves police interaction. The SIU expects to send out a press release later tonight.

This is only the second time that ORNGE has rescued someone going over the retaining wall into the Niagara Gorge. The last time was during Victoria Day’s long weekend, when they rescued a man who survived a suicide attempt, but suffered serious injuries.

[Image courtesy of CP24]