In a unique twist to a routine encounter, two law enforcement officers in Florida recently took to paddleboards to capture a suspect attempting to evade arrest. This unusual pursuit unfolded earlier this week, involving officers from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and Daytona Beach Shores police.
The incident began while the officers were questioning 28-year-old Chase Cruz in Volusia County. As they were reading him his rights, Cruz made a sudden dash to escape, fleeing on foot. The unexpected turn of events was captured on bodycam footage, which shows Cruz bolting away from the officers.
As the chase continued, Cruz plunged into the nearby Halifax River, compelling the deputies to follow him into the water. In an innovative move, the officers grabbed paddleboards to close in on Cruz, who was seen bobbing in the river, still wearing the blue hoodie from his initial interaction with the authorities.
Ultimately, Cruz was apprehended and faced charges including loitering, prowling, and resisting arrest, according to official reports. The pursuit, documented in a video shared on the Volusia County Sheriff’s Facebook page, showcases the officers’ quick thinking and adaptability in handling an unexpected situation.
Cruz subsequently jumped in the nearby Halifax River, forcing deputies to enter the water to reach him.
Video posted to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Facebook page shows the two officers using paddleboards to catch up with Cruz, who can be seen floating in the water wearing the same blue hoodie he was talking to authorities in.
Authorities pull Chase Cruz out of the Halifax River after he fled while being questioned in Volusia County, Florida on Monday, March 16, 2026. (Volusia County Sheriff’s Office)
One officer enters the water to tie a flotation device to Cruz before the pair hauls him out of the murky water and onto a paddleboard.
The officers return to shore with Cruz in tow, where he is subsequently taken into custody.
Authorities arrested Chase Cruz after he was pulled out of the Halifax River in Volusia County, Florida on Monday, March 16, 2026. (Volusia County Sheriff’s Office )
Cruz was charged with loitering and prowling, as well as resisting arrest, according to authorities.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
