South Bend, IN – A routine traffic stop turned into a dramatic river rescue Monday afternoon after a suspect allegedly fled from police, leading to a pursuit that ended in the St. Joseph River.
According to the South Bend Police Department, the incident began around 1:30 p.m. on November 24 when an officer on patrol near Lincoln Way West and Wilber Street observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. When the officer attempted a stop, the suspect continued driving, sparking a pursuit.
The chase ended at the east end of the Colfax Avenue Bridge, where the suspect exited the vehicle, jumped a guardrail, and entered the cold waters of the St. Joseph River. South Bend Police officers, along with the South Bend Fire Department and its Swiftwater Team, conducted a rescue operation and safely pulled the man from the water.
Police identified the suspect as 56-year-old Deron Phillips, who was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for evaluation. He is now being held in the St. Joseph County Jail, awaiting formal charges from the county prosecutor’s office.
Authorities reminded the public that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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