Possible burglary suspect drowns in San Rafael canal

SAN RAFAEL (BCN) A possible residential burglary suspect who fled San Rafael police drowned Monday evening when he jumped into the San Rafael Canal in an escape attempt, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

Two officers who responded around 6:40 p.m. to a possible burglary in progress in the 300 block of North San Pedro Road saw a man standing in a driveway, sheriff's officials said.

The suspect ignored the officers' commands and jumped into the canal at the rear of the residence near Summit Avenue, according to the sheriff's office.

Officers threw flotation items to the suspect and one officer jumped into the water and swam toward the suspect as he went underwater. The suspect disappeared under water and the San Rafael Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Department dive team responded, sheriff's officials said.

Authorities eventually recovered the suspect, who was pronounced dead. His name has not yet been released.

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