Spencer Horseman, who bills himself as a "Comedy Magician and Escape Artist," was trapped in the water tank for about 2 and ½ minutes, according to witnesses. Watch video
NEW BRUNSWICK - An escape artist who participated in a Criss Angel stunt in front of the State Theater on Tuesday was taken to a local hospital after apparently remaining in a water tank too long.
Officials were unable to say if the incident, which occurred before a noontime audience, was a hoax or an accident.
Las Vegas resident Spencer Horsman, who bills himself as a "Comedy Magician and Escape Artist," was placed inside a 30-inch Plexiglas tank filled with 100 gallons of water that was blocked with locked bars across the tank.
The Las Vegas Sun billed the stunt as "death-defying" in a piece posted online Monday.
Horsman was in the water tank for about 2 and 1/2 minutes when he became visibly distressed, according to witnesses.
Kelly Blite, a manager at the State Theatre, said Horsman was almost finished with the stunt when he couldn't get the last latch of the tank open.
Blite said the performer had chains and 16 locks on him.
A crane suspending the tank lowered the device and EMTs dragged Horsman out, according to witnesses.
Went to New Brunswick to watch a criss angel show in the street, and the guy almost dies ends up getting taken away on a stretcher. [?]
-- sloppy papi (@sweinga) September 15, 2015
Witnesses said Horsman was conscious as he was taken away as a precaution to nearby Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
Criss Angel, who was supervising the performance, went to the hospital with Horsman, Blite said.
"I was scared," said Jillian Beninato, 29, Colonia. "But then he started moving, so it was OK."
The incident was similar to one earlier this year when Angel and Horsman were rehearsing for opening night of the illusionist's show at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Horsman became trapped in the box dangling above the stage and Angel came to his aid.
Dont miss my public performance of "Submerged" (the escape that almost cost me my life a couple... https://t.co/ujXiVdM8eT
-- Spencer Horsman (@SpencerHorsman) September 14, 2015
Alex Napoliello of NJ Advance Media contributed to this report