A man in Florida is facing a host of charges after fleeing from police when he was pulled over for a minor infraction.
Police released a video of the rescue mission after the suspect fled from his car and ran into a lake in an unsuccessful attempt to hide from officers.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said that the driver was pulled over for a simple traffic stop for not wearing a seatbelt and inoperable tag lights.
The man pulled over but fled and ran into the lake while it was dark outside. However, a police helicopter spotted him and officers went to arrest him.
Deputies attempted to remove the defendant from the water with the assistance of a K-9 unit. When this was unsuccessful, deputies used a Jon boat to paddle to him.
Once ashore, the defendant told police that he ran because he “had a case of the stupids.”
Police found a glass smoking pipe in the defendant’s pocket, which tested positive for the presence of meth. An additional glass pipe was located in the vehicle.
The defendant was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, driving while license suspended, resisting arrest without violence, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail after receiving treatment on the scene for shortness of breath.