A Lake Ariel man driving 76 mph in a 25 mph zone fled state police during a Friday traffic stop before driving into the Lackawanna River, according to a criminal complaint.
Thomas Flood faces a felony charge of eluding law enforcement officers, in addition to numerous misdemeanor charges.
According to the criminal complaint, Dunmore state police were on patrol just after midnight on Friday when they spotted Flood, 22, in a Dodge pickup driving erratically on Marshwood Road near Keystone Industrial Park.
Troopers noted Flood repeatedly crossed the center line and westbound fog line. They also noted his truck had a broken driver-side brake light.
Troopers activated their lights and sirens in an effort to stop Flood, but instead he accelerated, running several stop signs on Marshwood Road and continuing to swerve across the roadway.
With state police in pursuit, Flood continued onto Sanderson Street. When the street came to a dead end, he crossed a dike and drove down an embankment into the Lackawanna River, troopers said.
With his pickup undrivable, Flood exited his vehicle and took off on foot across the river.
Troopers caught up with Flood, directing him get on the ground and put his hands behind his back, but he originally failed to comply with their commands.
Flood eventually dropped to his hands and knees but refused to put his hands behind his back, according to the complaint.
Troopers stunned him and were able to take him into custody.
Police noted that Flood’s eyes were bloodshot and he smelled of alcohol.
He admitted he had been at a bar and was drunk. He told troopers he fled because he was on parole and didn’t want to go back to jail.
His vehicle bore a fraudulent inspection sticker and he did not have valid insurance, troopers said.
He remains at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on Aug. 20 before District Judge Alyce Farrell.