A bizarre police chase in Florida took an even stranger turn after a shirtless man allegedly ran from deputies and jumped into an alligator-infested canal in an unsuccessful attempt to avoid arrest.
The incident happened in Palm Coast, Florida, where deputies with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shirtless man lying near Wadsworth Elementary School.
Authorities identified the suspect as 47-year-old Ryan McMinn. According to investigators, McMinn ignored deputies’ commands and fled on foot before diving into a nearby canal known for its alligators and snakes.
Body camera footage released by the sheriff’s office shows deputies repeatedly trying to convince McMinn to come out of the water.
Instead of surrendering, he continued moving through the canal as deputies followed alongside the bank, warning him that the area was home to dangerous wildlife. Officials eventually entered the water themselves after realizing the suspect appeared exhausted and could be in danger.
According to investigators, deputies safely pulled McMinn from the canal, but the encounter was far from over.
Authorities say he began fighting with deputies during the arrest, forcing officers to restrain him before taking him into custody. The sheriff’s office said McMinn now faces multiple charges, including resisting arrest and battery on a law enforcement officer.
The unusual arrest has gained widespread attention online after the release of the body camera footage. Many viewers were left stunned that the suspect chose to enter water known to contain alligators rather than surrender peacefully.
The video captures deputies attempting to de-escalate the situation before ultimately rescuing the suspect from the canal and completing the arrest.
Authorities have not indicated whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident. McMinn was taken into custody without suffering any reported life-threatening injuries despite entering the hazardous canal. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has since released the body camera footage as part of the investigation.
Video Credit: New York PostÂ
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