Shortly after noon today, PBSO detectives assigned to the Warrants Division were looking for a suspect wanted on Felony Violation of Probation warrants for Forgery. The male was also a suspect in a recent Armed Robbery. Detectives had information that the male was staying in an abandoned apartment located in the 2400 Block of 2nd Ave, Oakwood Apartments, unincorporated Lake Worth. Upon detectives making contact with the suspect, the suspect fled on foot with detectives in tow. The male jumped into the Keller canal, see below, and began to swim. Detectives gave verbal commands for him to surrender. At one point the male went under water and did not emerge, detectives immediately entered the canal and began searching for him.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue arrived – see information provided by PBC FR PIO: At approximately 12:42, PBCFR Units were called to the area of 2nd Ave N and Engle Road by PBSO to help find an individual who may have gone in the canal. PBCFR utilized two of our PRWCs (Personal Rescue Water Craft/Jet-ski) and also had multiple divers searching in the water for over an hour. There was no person found. PBCFR turned the scene to PBSO at 2:20 pm. Please reach out to PBSO for any further details.

PBSO Helicopter, Marine patrol and the Drone Unit responded to the scene to assist with the search. Marine Unit deputies utilized sonar equipment and located the suspect at the bottom of the canal shortly after 2:00 pm.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Division arrived on scene to assume the Death Investigation. Next of Kin has not been notified. More information will be released when it becomes available.