By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating why a teenage boy was found swimming in the Passaic River near the border of Harrison and Newark early Tuesday morning.
Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé reported that at approximately 7:50 a.m., police responded to a call near Bridge Street and McCarter Highway about a male swimmer spotted in the river.
Several Harrison residents reported seeing the boy swimming.
Officers arrived and made contact with the 17-year-old boy when he emerged from the water.
According to police, the teen appeared uninjured.
It is unclear why he decided to swim in the river, but authorities are investigating whether he may have jumped from the bridge connecting Newark and Harrison in a possible attempted suicide.
Emergency responder activity near the river caused heavy traffic for morning commuters traveling on NJ-21.
The incident is currently under investigation.