Jamestown Police Enter James River to Save Man
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (northwestmnnow.com) — Two Jamestown police officers entered the James River Wednesday night to rescue a man struggling in the water.
The rescue followed a 911 call shortly before 10 p.m. on October 7, 2026.
Police said the man was taken to Jamestown Regional Medical Center for treatment and observation.
The department reported no injuries to the officers involved.
Caller Hears Man Yelling for Help
Stutsman County dispatchers received the emergency call at approximately 9:56 p.m.
A woman reported hearing a man shouting for help from the James River.
She believed the man might be drowning, according to the Jamestown Police Department.
The caller directed authorities toward the 1400 block of 2nd Avenue Northeast.
That section of the river runs near the neighborhood, west of the street.
Police Enter River to Reach Struggling Man
Officers reached the area within minutes and found a man struggling in the water.
Police estimated the river was more than seven feet deep in the center of its channel.
Two officers entered the water and helped the man reach the riverbank.
The department has not released the man’s name.
Police identified him only as a 60-year-old Jamestown resident.
The officers were not injured during the rescue.
However, some police equipment was damaged as they helped the man out of the water.
The department did not specify what equipment was damaged or its replacement cost.
Man Taken to Jamestown Hospital
Police said the man appeared highly intoxicated when officers found him.
Responders also believed he needed additional medical and mental health care.
Jamestown Area Ambulance assisted at the scene and transported him to Jamestown Regional Medical Center.
He was taken there for treatment and observation.
Officials did not provide a further update about his condition.
Authorities have not released details explaining how the man entered the river.
Emergency Call Helps Officers Locate Man
The caller’s report gave dispatchers a location and described the danger in the water.
Officers were then able to find the man and assist him to the bank.
Anyone witnessing an immediate emergency should call 911 and provide their location.
The Jamestown Police Department says residents can also text 911 when speaking aloud would be unsafe.
Texting should be reserved for situations where making a voice call is not possible.
Police Release Details of River Rescue
The rescue was also reported by NewsDakota and Valley News Live.
Additional information about emergency medical services is available through Jamestown Regional Medical Center.
The rescue ended with the man receiving medical attention and both responding officers uninjured.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
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