Springfield man evades police pursuit, feared dead after jumping into Connecticut River

The man, identified as 24-year-old Jaylu Laboy of 31 Nye Street, jumped into the river after evading two city police officers who were reporting to the scene of a possible breaking and entering.

Springfield Police Department photoJaylu Laboy

Updates a story posted at 1:19 p.m. Sunday.

SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield police are continuing to investigate an early Sunday morning foot chase that ended with a city man jumping into the Connecticut River and possibly drowning.

The man, identified as 24-year-old Jaylu Laboy of 31 Nye Street, jumped into the river after evading two city police officers who were reporting to the scene of a possible breaking and entering on Lowell Street, said Sgt. John Delaney, aide to Springfield Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet.

Initial reports indicated that Laboy jumped from the North End Bridge.

Officers Angel Marrero and Orlando Acevedo were dispatched to 39 Lowell Street just before 4 a.m.

"Upon their arrival they were confronted by a shirtless male in the middle of the street in a fighting stance," Delaney said in a statement. "He was facing a male and female in a confrontation."

The officers exited the cruiser to calm the situation, Delaney said, but Laboy ran into the residence and then ran out the back door.

Marrero caught up with Laboy in the parking lot near 101 Lowell Street and tackled him to the ground. As Marrero when trying to call for backup, Laboy put his hand into the officer's mouth "and attempted to rip his mouth sideways," according to Delaney.

Laboy broke free when Marrero was finally able to call for help.

Springfield Fire DepartmentSPRINGFIELD -- Springfield firefighters search for man who jumped off the North End Bridge Sunday morning.

The officers then chased Laboy to Riverside Road and along the Connecticut River.

“The officers kept [Laboy] in sight and observed him take some more clothes off and jump into the Connecticut River. The officers repeatedly called out to the suspect to return to shore. [...] The current was swift and the water extremely cold,” Delaney said.

The Springfield Fire Department was called to initiate a rescue; a four-hour search of the river did not turn up the Laboy.

Investigators fear he has drowned, Delaney said.

Witnesses stated that Laboy attempted to kick in the front and rear door. When he was not allowed entry, he broke into the home through a side window, Delaney said.

Laboy's girlfriend told the officers that Laboy had been with her during the day and had been drinking, according to Delaney. She stated that the incident took place after she left the area to pick up a child.

The investigation is continuing and charges are pending against Laboy.

The Agawam and West Springfield police departments were notified of the incident.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department's Detective Bureau at 413-787-6355