Emergency crews launched the search after a civilian reported seeing someone in the river who appeared to be swimming or bathing but never resurfaced, Passaic Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost told Daily Voice earlier Thursday afternoon.
Firefighters conducted a two-boat search of the river, including the banks and the area underneath the bridge, while officers reviewed surveillance footage from the area, the chief said.
"Once we were able to review security cameras,we found evidence showing an individual climbing out of the river, walking away behind some buildings," Trentacost said. "Although we cannot be 100% certain, we would continue to monitor and periodically check the river as a precaution."
The search involved the Passaic and Garfield fire and police departments. Fire departments from Paterson and Clifton were also standing by at the Passaic firehouse during the operation.
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