Police: Man arrested in Monongahela River after attempted carjacking near Duck Hollow Trail
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Officers had to go swimming in the Monongahela River to arrest a man after an attempted carjacking.
Pittsburgh Public Safety said officers responded Wednesday around 7 p.m. for an attempted carjacking call in the parking area for the Duck Hollow Trail at McFarren and Ettwein streets.
A man who police have identified as 24-year-old Jaelin Opara is accused of threatening two other men at their vehicle, demanding the keys. He fled on his bike, police say, and jumped into the river to avoid arrest.
Pittsburgh Public Safety said river rescue crews were called in, and the suspect reportedly refused to put on a life preserver from officials and continued to swim away.
The man then fought with EMS divers and a boat operator, leading three officers to swim out to arrest him.
Police say before the attempted carjacking, Opara pushed a man off his bike along the trail and stole it. But his crime spree, police say, started on Tuesday when he was arrested and charged with trespassing and resisting arrest.
Police say they were able to link the two incidents due to Opara's description and the description of the stolen bike.
He was taken to the Allegheny County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including robbery, aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
