(WBEN) An as yet unidentified driver apartently stole a car in the City of Buffalo around 7:30 Saturday night and by 11PM he had driven it into the Erie Canal in North Tonawanda and died. Police are not releasing his name at the moment.
At this time there aren't any witness to his entering the canal at the Service Drive boat docks. The City of North Tonawanda Police Department has issued the following release:
The North Tonawanda Police, North Tonawanda Fire Department, City of Tonawanda Dive Rescue Team and Ellicott Creek Volunteer Fire Department Dive Rescue team responded to the Erie Canal at the Service Drive boat docks for a vehicle that entered the canal. The call came in at 10:58 PM on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
A vehicle that was reported stolen out of the City of Buffalo at 7:33 PM on Saturday January 5, 2019 was located and recovered from the canal. A deceased male was found in the vehicle.
At this point we are unaware of anyone who actually witnessed the vehicle enter the canal; however, it was seen floating in the canal with its headlights on. Upon arrival by first responders, the vehicle sunk before anyone could get to the vehicle which was in the middle of the canal between North Tonawanda and Tonawanda.
A preliminary identification was made of the male and the name will not be released until confirmation and notification of his family.
Captain Thomas Krantz
