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Video: Fla. deputy on jet ski chases down fugitive

The suspect jumped into the water to swim away, leaving behind a jet ski he’d stolen

By Suzie Ziegler

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A foot pursuit involving a sheriff’s deputy took a turn for the wetter when the fugitive jumped into the water to try to make his escape. Instead of going for a swim himself, the deputy opted to use a jet ski the suspect had stolen.

Bodycam video of the July 31 incident released by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office shows the suspect running into the water. The deputy jumps onto the jet ski and guides the suspect back to land where he’s taken into custody without further incident.

According to the sheriff’s office, Clyde Hunter was wanted for several vehicle-related crimes including burglary and vehicle theft.

Deputies were responding to an anonymous tip about where Hunter was living just before the pursuit, the sheriff’s office said. They found stolen tools and vessel registrations for two stolen jet-skis at the residence. Deputies spotted Hunter fleeing the area but found him riding one of the stolen jet skis a short while later. Deputies approached him as Hunter was getting off the jet ski onto a boat ramp. That’s when he jumped into the water, only to be brought back by a deputy on the jet ski he’d left unattended.

After his latest spree, the sheriff’s office says Hunter is charged with grand theft auto, burglary and obstruction, among other charges.

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