A Florida man’s attempt to escape arrest by jumping into a river ended with police officers pursuing him on paddleboards in a bizarre chase captured on video Monday.

Suspect Bolts During Miranda Rights

Chase Cruz, 28, made his escape attempt while a Volusia County deputy and a Daytona Beach Shores officer were reading him his Miranda rights. The suspect suddenly sprinted toward the Halifax River, prompting officers to give chase. “We got one running,” an officer radioed as Cruz fled. Rather than wait for a boat, the two law enforcement officers grabbed nearby paddleboards and paddled into the murky water after the fleeing suspect, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

Paddleboard Pursuit Ends Peacefully

Aerial footage shows the officers paddling toward Cruz as he floated in his clothes in the water. The suspect appeared to hold his arms out to the approaching officers, signaling his surrender. One officer jumped into the river and secured a flotation device around Cruz before helping him onto a paddleboard. The three then made a slow paddle back to a dock where additional officers waited to take Cruz into custody without further incident.

Charges Filed After Water Escape

Cruz now faces charges of loitering and prowling along with resisting arrest, the sheriff’s office confirmed. The original reason for the police encounter that led to Cruz being read his rights was not immediately disclosed. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of police work and the quick thinking required when suspects attempt unconventional escape methods. Florida’s extensive waterways create unique challenges for law enforcement, but officers demonstrated resourcefulness by using available equipment to safely apprehend the suspect without anyone getting injured during the unusual pursuit across the Halifax River.