A 26-year-old Missouri man’s high-risk bid to escape deputies ended with a headfirst dive from a bridge — and the entire incident was captured on video.
Footage released by the Stone County Sheriff’s Office shows Gavin Thor Lundgren, of Kimberling City, running across a two-lane bridge before hurling himself into Table Rock Lake after an early-morning pursuit on July 18.
“This was definitely a first and luckily he survived the fall,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “He resisted arrest and deputies suffered minor injuries taking him into custody.”
Gavin Thor Lundgren is shown diving headfirst from a bridge into Table Rock Lake after allegedly leading Missouri deputies on a pursuit, according to the Stone County Sheriff’s Office. (Stone County Sheriff’s Office)
Lundgren was taken into custody and faces three counts of third-degree assault on a special victim, along with charges of resisting arrest for a felony, resisting arrest by fleeing and careless driving.
A probable cause statement said deputies tried to stop Lundgren at about 1:50 a.m. after seeing his 2004 Chevrolet Malibu traveling nearly 75 mph in a 45-mph zone, KOLR reported.
Authorities said Lundgren did not stop, instead leading deputies on a chase before leaving his still-moving vehicle and jumping from the bridge into Table Rock Lake.
Gavin Thor Lundgren was arrested after authorities said he fled deputies and then jumped from a bridge into Table Rock Lake. (Stone County Sheriff’s Office)
Three deputies were injured while taking Lundgren into custody, authorities said.
Investigators said Lundgren headbutted two deputies during the struggle.
Gavin Thor Lundgren is seen running across a bridge moments before diving into Table Rock Lake during an alleged attempt to evade Missouri deputies. (Stone County Sheriff’s Office)
Officials said deputies suffered injuries including facial bruising, cuts to their hands, elbows and forearms, and abrasions.
Lundgren is being held in the Stone County Jail without bond.
