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Fugitive Captured After Paddle Boat Capsizes

WATERFORD TWP. (WWJ) - Police arrested a soggy fugitive after a paddle boat he tried using to evade capture capsized in Waterford Township.

Police say the incident happened just after 10 a.m. last Friday in the 3800 block of Athens, near Sashabaw Road and W. Walton Boulevard, when agents with Michigan's Department of Corrections attempted to locate fugitive Mark Steven Rood, Jr.

According to police, the 27-year-old Waterford Township man had several warrants for his arrest, including a felony fugitive warrant for absconding from probation.

When officers and agents arrived on the scene, they saw Rood Jr. standing in the driveway with his 52-year-old father Mark Steven Rood Sr. As the officers approached the residence, Rood Jr. fled on foot.

Police say Rood Sr., who had previously been told of his son's absconder warrant, continued to help his son avoid arrest and attempted to block the officers as they began pursuing his son.

Rood Jr. was pursued on foot toward the nearby Lake Oakland, where police say he jumped in a neighbor's paddle boat to flee out onto the lake. Police say the boat eventually capsized and Rood Jr. fell into the water and was ordered to shore where he was taken into custody without further incident. Rood Sr. was also taken into custody.

Both father and son were transported to the Waterford Police Department where they were booked before being lodged at the Oakland County Jail.

On Saturday, the duo was arraigned on one count each of felony obstructing. Rood Jr. was given a $25,000 cash bond on the new charge, while Rood Sr. was given a $20,000 cash bond. Both remain lodged at the Oakland County Jail.

"This is an excellent example of our partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections. I am pleased to have an MDOC Agent assigned to the Waterford Police Department who has proven to be an asset in making our community a safer place to live, work and play," Chief Daniel McCaw said in a statement.

According to the MDOC, Rood Jr. has a criminal history that dates back to 2003 and includes convictions for home invasion, safe breaking, and breaking and entering with intent.

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