UTICA — A search is ongoing along a portion of the Mohawk River in north Utica following a reported drowning Wednesday afternoon, according to the Utica Police Department.

 

The potential drowning was reported to 911 at 5:55 p.m. Wednesday off Leland Avenue on the city's north side. The Utica police and fire departments responded to begin their search, which lasted through the evening hours.

 

Utica Police Sgt. Michael Curley said a father and son were fishing in the area and saw a man go into the water and not resurface.

 

"They had eyes on the water, allegedly, the entire time," Curley stated.

 

The identities of those involved have not yet been released.

 

The Utica police and fire departments resumed their search Thursday morning, with assistance from the dive team of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.

 

Curley said the man went missing in a portion of the Mohawk River that is "not part of the running river" to the east of the Leland Avenue bridge. That area of water is controlled by the Canal Corporation, and Curley said they were able to dam the flow of water and actually lower the water levels to assist with the search.