TENNESSEE — Authorities in Smith County are searching for a man who jumped into the Cumberland River while fleeing police during a disturbance call Tuesday morning.
According to the Carthage Police Department, officers responded to a reported disturbance in Carthage early Tuesday. When officers arrived, they encountered a man wearing only underwear and a T-shirt. Police said the man appeared to be intoxicated.
Officials reported that when officers attempted to approach him, the man ran from the scene and jumped into the Cumberland River. Law enforcement officers reportedly saw the man go underwater and said he did not resurface.
Search and recovery efforts were launched near the Carthage boat ramp. The Smith County Rescue Squad is assisting with the operation, and crews continued searching the river as of Tuesday morning.
The Carthage Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not released the man’s identity, and no additional details were immediately available.
Officials said the situation remains under investigation and described the incident as a developing story.
