A suspect trying to flee police in Florida by jumping into a lake has had to be rescued by officers because he did not know how to swim.
Officers from Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office charged Richard Garay for obstruction after he fled from police and had to be rescued by first responders on Friday.
The incident was caught on camera and shows the 18-year-old in the middle of the lake struggling to keep his head above water as a uniformed officer jumps in after him.
Another officer throws the pair a rope and pulls them to safety.
In a statement, police said they had tried to talk to Garay who was standing by his van parked on the side of the road but he fled towards the lake and jumped in.
They said he later admitted he was unable to swim but had gone into the lake to avoid being arrested on several warrants.
Sheriff Tom Knight said: “The safety of our citizens is a priority, regardless of circumstance.
“These deputies acted quickly and selflessly to render aid to someone who has a complete disregard for law enforcement.
“Unfortunately incidents like this happen all too often but this is what we train for.”
