Divers searching for man who jumped into Fox River after not paying dinner bill

A man who police say ran out of an Algonquin tavern without paying his bill, then jumped into the Fox River, was last seen drifting in the water.

Divers from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District searched late into the night Thursday and all day Friday for the man, who ran out of Nero's Pizza & Pub, 300 Eastgate Drive, about 9:20 p.m. Thursday, police said.

Police who responded to the theft report were told the man ran west toward the Fox River dam.

A fisherman who saw the man jump into the water near Route 62 and North River Road called 911, police said.

That's when the fire department began its water search north and south of the dam. The search was suspended about 1 a.m., resumed early Friday and continued into the afternoon.

The man is described as Middle Eastern or Hispanic, approximately 6 feet tall and 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, blue jean shorts and black shoes. He is thought to be approximately 30 years old.

Police posted a photo of the man on their Facebook page Friday requesting the public's assistance in identifying him. According to the post, “The priority is to identify and check the well-being of the individual.”

Detectives are examining video footage from Nero's. A person who answered the phone at the restaurant Friday had no comment.

People with any information are asked to call Algonquin police at (847) 658-4531.