BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Police continue their search for two missing persons in the waters of the Niagara River and are asking for the public to help.
Deputy Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia says nearby fishermen observed a person floating the water, yelling for help. A second independent witness observed a second male in the water as well.
"When Buffalo Police responded to the foot of Ferry Street, a check of a city surveillance camera determined that a vehicle had driven through a railing and into the Niagara River," said Gramaglia. "A search and rescue operation immediately began."
Buffalo Police Underwater Recovery Team, Erie County Sheriff Air One Helicopter, and Coast Guard began searching the area.
"This is very challenging from a number of standpoints," said Gramaglia, referring to the current in the Niagara River. "Our dive team is very dedicated and professional. They know they have a job to do."
Regarding the surveillance video, Gramaglia said "we have a clip of the vehicle driving straight toward the water and going through the railing. I'm not going to speculate on what caused the car to go over at this point."
Police have released the following images of the vehicle in hopes of learning more about the missing persons.
Police say the vehicle appears to be either a white or silver Dodge Caravan - with a dent below the bottom of the front passenger side door.
Witnesses at the scene gave police a preliminary description of the two victims. One a Black male wearing a black shirt. The other a Hispanic male with a white beard and wearing a green or camouflage jacket.
Anyone with information regarding either the vehicle or the two males are asked to call Buffalo police immediately.
