Wanted Man Tries to Evade Police by Walking on Frozen Allegheny River

The chase spanned several miles along the river before the suspect was taken into custody near a Taco Bell in Harmar, Pennsylvania.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:23pm

A wanted man in the Pittsburgh area attempted to evade police by walking on the frozen Allegheny River on Wednesday. The chase lasted for hours as the man walked north toward Oakmont and Harmar, with officers from multiple agencies tracking him. The man was eventually taken into custody near a Taco Bell in the Harmar business district.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the lengths some suspects will go to avoid arrest, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending individuals who try to flee across frozen waterways. It also raises concerns about public safety and the potential risks involved when police pursue suspects in such treacherous conditions.

The details

The chase started near Blawnox, and the man walked north toward Oakmont and Harmar. Police officers from several agencies, including Pittsburgh, Verona and Oakmont, tracked the suspect. At times, officers used a megaphone to advise the man to turn himself in since he refused to surrender. The chase ended near Harmar, in the business district by the Taco Bell along Freeport Road. Pittsburgh Swift Water Rescue tracked him for miles because officials were worried he would fall through the ice, but no rescue was necessary.

  • The chase started near Blawnox on Wednesday.
  • The man walked north toward Oakmont and Harmar.
  • The chase ended around 4 p.m. near Harmar, in the business district by the Taco Bell along Freeport Road.

The players

Pittsburgh Police

Law enforcement agency that participated in the pursuit of the wanted man.

Verona Police

Law enforcement agency that participated in the pursuit of the wanted man.

Oakmont Police

Law enforcement agency that participated in the pursuit of the wanted man.

Pittsburgh Swift Water Rescue

Emergency response team that tracked the man as he walked on the frozen Allegheny River.

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What’s next

No further details have been released about the identity of the wanted man or the charges he was facing. It is unclear if he will face additional charges related to the pursuit.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges law enforcement face when pursuing suspects who attempt to evade capture by taking extreme measures, such as walking on frozen waterways. It also highlights the importance of coordinated emergency response and the need for continued vigilance in ensuring public safety.