A dramatic video captured a female New York City police officer diving into the water and confronting a career criminal before successfully apprehending him.

The NYPD praised the officer’s courageous actions, highlighting her and her colleagues’ bold efforts in the arrest of alleged car thief Matthew Swafford on August 5 in Queens.

Swafford “didn’t anticipate our committed NYPD 101 Precinct officers pursuing him without hesitation, prioritizing duty over danger,” the department stated on X, as they shared footage of the female officer discarding her gear before diving into the water and engaging in a close-quarters struggle with Swafford.

The agency informed Fox News Digital that Swafford’s arrest occurred after officers “received information from the Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol regarding a black 2025 Honda sedan that had been reported stolen.

The female officer then leapt into the water in pursuit of Swafford. 

The video depicted the female officer struggling with Swafford, with the NYPD noting that “the suspect began resisting officers when approached.”

He was eventually brought into custody. 

Matthew Swafford is now facing multiple charges following his arrest on Aug. 5, 2025. (NYPD)

Swafford, identified by police as a repeat offender, was charged with Grand Larceny Auto, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, and Obstructing Governmental Administration.