(WWJ) A Mt. Clemens man was rescued, and then arrested after trying to flee authorities by jumping into the Clinton River.
The odd escape attempt happened Wednesday as the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Team was conducting surveillance at a location in Mt. Clemens known for "suspected narcotics activity."
During the investigation, deputies spotted 60-year-old Marlon El, who had a felony warrant out for his arrest.
The suspect fled on a moped when authorities tried to apprehend him. He went off-road briefly, before ditching the moped at MacArthur Park.
As seen on video released by the sheriff's office on Friday, El ran through a yard to a dock and jumped into the Clinton River.
El tried to swim across, but struggled. About mid-way he stopped moving forward and began to disappear under the water.
A S.E.T. deputy on the other side of the river saw what was happening and went into the water to rescue him.
El was pulled from below the surface and brought safely to shore where he was handcuffed. He was taken into custody without further incident, and checked out medically, officials said.
El was arraigned in 41-B Clinton Township District Court on charges of fleeing police - fourth degree, which is a felony, and operating a vehicle on a suspended license.
Bond was set at $25,000 cash/surety bond and a probable cause conference was scheduled for Sept. 16.