Falling Waters, West Virginia – A police pursuit ended with a river rescue after a suspect jumped from a Potomac River bridge Thursday evening.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, when Deputy Merson responded to an emergency call in Falling Waters. While traveling northbound on Interstate 81 near Exit 23, the deputy allegedly observed a Ford pickup truck fail to obey a traffic control signal and lose control within the roadway.
Authorities said the vehicle fled south on Route 11, prompting a pursuit. The driver allegedly operated the truck recklessly through a private neighborhood before continuing northbound on Route 11 toward Maryland.
As the suspect approached the Potomac River bridge, investigators said he struck another pickup truck traveling southbound. The other driver was not injured.
Officials said the suspect then exited his vehicle and ran on foot across the bridge into Maryland. During the pursuit, he allegedly climbed over a metal guardrail and jumped into the Potomac River.
According to the sheriff’s office, Deputy Merson immediately transitioned from pursuit to rescue efforts, entering the river from the C&O Canal towpath and swimming to the suspect. He was able to bring the individual safely to shore, where emergency medical services provided treatment.
The suspect was identified as Edward Hardy Light, 56, of Martinsburg. Authorities said Light had multiple active warrants in Berkeley County and is now in custody in Washington County, Maryland. He has been charged with one count of felony fleeing with reckless indifference, in addition to Maryland charges.
Berkeley County Sheriff Robert “Rob” A. Blair commended the deputy’s actions, citing professionalism and commitment to public safety.
The incident briefly affected traffic along Route 11 and the bridge corridor, an area frequently used by commuters traveling between West Virginia and Maryland.
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