Watch CBS News

Police Use Taser On Fleeing Teen Driver Who Crashed Into River, Swam Away To Avoid Arrest [VIDEO]

CLINTON TWP. (WWJ) - A 16-year-old driver is facing multiple charges after leading police on a chase that ended when he crashed into the Clinton River and tried to swim away to avoid capture.

The situation unfolded around 5:20 a.m. last Thursday, when a Chevy Impala caught the eye of a Macomb County Sheriff's deputy on patrol on Joy Boulevard in Clinton Township.

While following behind the car, the deputy observed the Impala swerve off the roadway and narrowly miss striking a pedestrian who was walking along Joy Boulevard on the road shoulder, according to police.

The deputy attempted to stop the Impala, but the driver fled. Police say the deputy gave chase as the speeding vehicle drove across the lawns of businesses, struck multiple mailboxes and drove through two ditches.

Clinton River -  police chase crash
(photo courtesy: Macomb County Sheriff's Office)

The chase eventually ended when the driver, a 16-year-old Macomb Township boy, drove the Impala down Judge Street and into the Clinton River. The teen then jumped out of the car and swam across the river. Police say the teen attempted to hide along the shore but was located by deputies, who used a Taser to take the teen into custody.

The teen is now facing charges of larceny in a building, possession of marijuana, felonious assault, unlawfully driving away an auto, fleeing and eluding, and resisting  and obstructing arrest.

The case will be prosecuted in Macomb County Juvenile Court.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.