A wild police chase finally came to an end when the suspect fleeing police drove his pickup off an Oregon pier and into the Columbia River Wednesday.
Astoria police didn't follow Timofey Erofeeff, 27, from Scotts Mills when he drove onto the pier and say he was driving about 45 mph when he launched off the pier.
The contact began at 10 a.m. when Erofeeff was driving a red F-150, they decided to charge him with second-degree criminal trespass and took him into custody for a Deschutes County parole violation.
When officers approached his truck to make the arrest he took off on a short pursuit that ended with the driver and his truck in the frigid Columbia River waters.
Erofeeff then swam a couple hundred feet prompting a Coast Guard helicopter to spring into action but the mission was canceled when he turned around.
First responders tried to reach him but the pier was too high and instead, they threw him a life jacket and flotation ring. He was helped out of the water by a nearby fishing vessel named Pacific Wind.
In total, Erofeeff spent about 20 minutes in the ice cold water. "I’m thankful the men from WCT Marine and fishing vessel (Pacific Wind) were there and willing to help," Deputy Astoria Police Chief Eric Halverson said. "Mr. Erofeeff should be thankful too."
A Medix Ambulance Service took Erofeeff to Columbia Memorial Hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.
Afterwards, he was booked into the Clatsop County Jail on charges of second-degree criminal trespass, parole violation, interfering with a police officer, attempt to elude a police officer, reckless driving, and third-degree escape.
A gasoline slick is all that can be seen of Erofeeffs truck. Thursday, Coast Guard divers were working to locate the vehicle and pull it from the river.
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