A routine arrest in Volusia County, Florida, took an unusual turn when a suspect fled into a nearby river, prompting two officers to pursue him using paddleboards, according to authorities, as reported by The New York Post.

The incident happened on Monday as a Volusia County deputy and a Daytona Beach Shores police officer were attempting to detain 28-year-old Chase Cruz.

Officials said the officers were in the process of reading Cruz his Miranda rights when he suddenly ran from the scene.

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According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Cruz bolted toward the Halifax River in an apparent attempt to avoid arrest. As he fled, one of the officers immediately alerted others over the radio.

“We got one running,” the officer said as the pursuit began.

Cruz entered the water fully clothed, and video footage later released shows him floating in the river as officers worked to close the distance.

Rather than abandoning the chase, the two officers quickly secured paddleboards and entered the water in pursuit.

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Aerial video of the incident shows the deputy and the Daytona Beach Shores officer paddling toward Cruz as he remained in the water. The footage captures Cruz appearing to extend his arms outward as the officers approached.

Once the officers reached him, one of them entered the water to secure the suspect. The video shows the officer placing a flotation device around Cruz to stabilize him.

After securing Cruz, the officer helped him climb onto one of the paddleboards.

The two officers then began making their way back across the river, guiding Cruz as they paddled toward a dock where additional law enforcement personnel were waiting.

The return trip to shore was slower, with the officers maintaining control of Cruz while navigating the water. Once back at the dock, Cruz was taken into custody without further incident.

UP THE CREEK: A fleeing suspect led officers on an unusual chase in Florida, with deputies using paddleboards to catch him. The sheriff’s office says the man tried to evade arrest by jumping into a river before officers successfully apprehended him. pic.twitter.com/qvBBmjBi9r

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Authorities said Cruz was charged with loitering and prowling, as well as resisting arrest.

The sheriff’s office has not indicated whether Cruz suffered any injuries during the incident.

The video shows that officers took steps to ensure his safety while in the water, including the use of a flotation device before transporting him back to shore.

The unusual pursuit drew attention after the footage was shared publicly, showing a method of apprehension not typically seen in standard police chases.

The use of paddleboards allowed officers to continue the pursuit after the suspect entered the water, preventing him from escaping.

Law enforcement officials have not released additional details about the events leading up to the attempted arrest or why Cruz initially fled.

The Halifax River, which runs through Volusia County and the Daytona Beach Shores area, is a common waterway in the region and is frequently used for recreational activities.

In this case, it became the setting for an unexpected extension of a police pursuit.

Officials confirmed that the situation concluded with Cruz in custody and facing charges tied to the incident.

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