Suspect Jumps Into River After High-Speed Chase, Struggles to Swim

A driver fleeing Metropolitan Police officers at high speed on the A12 around midnight on New Year’s Day was arrested after officers rammed his vehicle to stop the pursuit and the suspect jumped from a bridge into a river, authorities reported.

Video released by the Metropolitan Police shows marked patrol vehicles pursuing a car traveling approximately 70 mph in a 30 mph zone. Sirens can be heard as officers closed the distance, with the National Police Air Service helicopter providing aerial support overhead. During the pursuit, the suspect drove onto the pavement in an apparent attempt to evade police.

According to police, tactical contact was authorized due to the risk posed to other motorists. Footage shows a patrol car making deliberate contact with the suspect’s vehicle in an effort to bring it to a stop. The maneuver disrupted the car’s movement, but the driver exited moments later near a bridge. The suspect then climbed over a railing and jumped into the river below, where he attempted to flee through the water.

Officers quickly coordinated at the bridge’s edge and deployed a rope to pull the suspect from the river. He was removed from the freezing water and taken into custody without further incident.

Police said the pursuit occurred as officers were working overnight to address dangerous driving and protect the public. No additional injuries were reported in connection with the chase. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.

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