Wanted Man Flees From Police, Jumps In River, Then Underground Pipes

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester police were attempting to arrest a man with a Bedford warrant for robbery and theft in connection with a strong-arm robbery and shoplifting at a retail store last week.

Police attempted to arrest Jorge Guzman Alvarado, 49, of Manchester, in the area of Blaine and Second Street on Thursday when he fled on foot and jumped in the river. After trying to navigate the water in the river, Alvarado entered the underground sewer and drainage system in an effort to escape from the police.

Police isolated the man between two manholes and utilized ladders from Manchester Fire Department to prevent him from traveling further. After more than one hour, Alvarado climbed out of the manhole on a ladder and was taken into custody. A waiting AMR ambulance transported Alvardo to a local hospital for evaluation and possible cold exposure.

Alvarado refused to surrender, and police secured the area and began negotiating. MPD SWAT, who was in the area making warrant arrests, assisted patrol officers at the scene, and Manchester Police K-9 "Grim" was also brought to the scene. Workers from the Manchester Public Works Department also assisted at the scene.

Bedford Police Chief Bryfonski said Alvarado was wanted in connection with a robbery at the Marshals store in Bedford. Alvarado allegedly stole several purses from displays in the store and while exiting, pushed a woman and took her purse with cash and credit cards.

Alvarado faces charges of robbery, theft, disobeying an officer, operating without a license, and a traffic control device violation.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news