Victim of apparent drowning in North Shore river had outstanding arrest warrant, police say

NEWBURY, Mass. — Authorities have identified a man who appears to have drowned after he got caught in the current of a river on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

Witnesses noticed the man entangled in the brush in the Parker River in Newbury in the area of Forest and River streets around 6:41 p.m. on Thursday and immediately notified authorities, according to Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and Newbury Police Chief Patty Fisher.

“One of the bystanders attempted to enter the river to reach the man but was unable to do so due to the rapid-moving current,” Tucker and Fisher said in a joint statement.

Rescue crews worked for hours to recover the man’s body after police responded to the Parker River in the area of Forest and River Street around 6:41 p.m. on Thursday. They ultimately made that recovery around midnight.

On Friday, Tucker and Fisher identified the victim as 54-year-old David Harwood, of Byfield.

Newbury Police say Harwood had been the subject of an active arrest warrant but officers had no contact with him and were not actively pursuing him at the time of his death.

Police would not confirm what the arrest warrant was for.

On January 3, authorities say they attempted to serve the warrant on Harwood at his residence, 21R Forest Street, but he fled the area. This was allegedly the last time officers were in contact with Harwood or his immediate family.

Law enforcement technology determined Harwood was in another community, and Newbury officials say they notified the police there. His warrant still remained active.

Newbury Inspectional Services condemned Harwood’s Forest Street home given the condition it was in.

Police say the criminal investigation into Harwood is now closed.

State police detectives assigned to the DA’s office are assisting Newbury police with an investigation.

Foul play is not suspected at this time.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2024 Cox Media Group