The 38-year-old suspect jumped into the lake after crashing the vehicle he reportedly stole, police said. He was later caught near a softball complex.
GRAPEVINE, Texas — A 38-year-old suspect is in custody after police said he stole a vehicle, crashed it while being chased, and jumped into Grapevine Lake to try and escape.
Police said a woman reported her black Ford Ranger stolen at about 9:30 a.m. Friday. It was soon found traveling on Dove Road. But when police attempted a traffic stop, the suspect reportedly refused to pull over and accelerated toward Grapevine Lake before crashing near Trawick Pavilion.
The suspect, a Grapevine resident, reportedly then got out, jumped a fence and got into the lake, police said. Officers tried to to reach him by boat and jet ski but shallow water limited their access. A police drone was also launched to help in the search, and he was found hidden behind brush.
Officers were soon alerted to a suspicious man near a softball complex in the area, police said, who was identified as the suspect. He was arrested without incident.
Police charged the man with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest, and say he is also believed to be connected to several overnight burglaries in Garland.
The suspect’s identity will be released after he is arraigned, police said. Additional charges are possible.