Hutt River chase: Man arrested after jumping into river to flee police

The man tried to evade police by jumping into the Hutt River. Photo / RNZ, Emma Hatton

By Bill Hickman of RNZ

A man will appear in the Hutt Valley District Court in Wellington after attempting to evade police officers by jumping into the Hutt River today.

A witness took to social media to describe seeing the man on a bicycle being pursued by police on the eastern side of the river near Ewen Bridge.

They said the man dumped the bicycle, ran into the water, and attempted to cross the river, which was running swiftly at the time.

Police confirmed officers were called to a store in High St at 1.33pm and they arrested a 36-year-old man shortly after.

They said the man would appear on Thursday charged with the burglary of items under $500.

– RNZ