Video Captures Suspect’s Dramatic River Escape as Officers Engage in Paddleboard Pursuit

In a rather unconventional pursuit, two law enforcement officers from Florida recently took to paddleboards to capture a suspect attempting to evade arrest. The incident unfolded earlier this week, casting a spotlight on the creativity and determination of the officers involved.

The sequence of events began when officers from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, alongside Daytona Beach Shores police, were questioning 28-year-old Chase Cruz in Volusia County. It was during this routine interaction on Monday, March 16, that Cruz made a sudden decision to flee on foot, catching the officers by surprise.

Bodycam footage captured the precise moment Cruz bolted, just as police were in the midst of reading him his rights. This spur-of-the-moment escape attempt didn’t end on land, as Cruz soon leaped into the nearby Halifax River, prompting deputies to pursue him into the water.

In an unexpected twist, the officers quickly transitioned from land to water by commandeering paddleboards to reach Cruz and bring him into custody. As a result of his escapade, Cruz now faces charges of loitering and prowling, along with resisting arrest, as confirmed by authorities from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

Cruz subsequently jumped in the nearby Halifax River, forcing deputies to enter the water to reach him.

Video posted to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Facebook page shows the two officers using paddleboards to catch up with Cruz, who can be seen floating in the water wearing the same blue hoodie he was talking to authorities in. 

Authorities pull Chase Cruz out of the Halifax River after he fled while being questioned in Volusia County, Florida on Monday, March 16, 2026. (Volusia County Sheriff’s Office)

One officer enters the water to tie a flotation device to Cruz before the pair hauls him out of the murky water and onto a paddleboard. 

The officers return to shore with Cruz in tow, where he is subsequently taken into custody.

Authorities arrested Chase Cruz after he was pulled out of the Halifax River in Volusia County, Florida on Monday, March 16, 2026. (Volusia County Sheriff’s Office )

Cruz was charged with loitering and prowling, as well as resisting arrest, according to authorities.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.