Channel Cat Rescues Man After Jumping Off Of I-74 Bridge

The Bettendorf and Moline Police departments along with other emergency crews received help this morning from the QC Channel Cat.

Bettendorf Police received a report of a 26-year-old man who jumped off the I-74 Bridge into the Mississippi River Friday morning at 10:13 a.m., according to the press release from the Bettendorf police department.

The incident was witnessed by 3 citizens walking on the I-74 Bike and Pedestrian Path who came upon the man just north of the Oculus viewing area at the center of the I-74 Bridge on the Iowa side. There, he was observed on the other side of the rail.

Officers from the Bettendorf Police Department, the Moline Police Department, and the Bettendorf Fire Department responded, and the Bettendorf Police immediately deployed a drone on the rear side of the Bettendorf Police Department to locate and keep the man in sight while police officers and firefighters responded.

The Bettendorf Fire Department deployed a rescue boat with a Bettendorf Police Officer accompanying them.

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The report says that at the same time, the QC Channel Cat, operated by Metro IL Quad Cities, was observed nearby. Dispatch contacted the Channel Cat directly to have them turn around and help. Bettendorf Police’s drone operator gave updates on the man’s status in the water, keeping dispatch, police officers, and firefighters notified while they responded.

During the incident, officers observed a life preserver thrown into the water by the QC Channel Cat to the man. The 26-year-old was eventually brought onto the water taxi at the same time Bettendorf Fire’s rescue boat arrived.

Two Bettendorf Firefighters and one Bettendorf Police Officer went aboard to accompany the subject as the Channel Cat drove to shore with Bettendorf Fire’s rescue boat following.

After reaching the show, the man was turned over to MEDIC EMS of Scott County and transported to Genesis East Medical Center where he will undergo examination for the appropriate medical and mental health treatment.