A Florida man decided to take a rather refreshing approach to evading arrest – a dip in the Choctawhatchee Bay.
On Friday morning, investigators from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office attempted to apprehend Michael Pendley, 46, in connection with multiple storage unit burglaries. Apparently not keen on a trip to the jail, Pendley decided to channel his inner mermaid and made a break for it, plunging into the bay.
Read: Florida Man’s Attempt To ‘Spice Up’ Neighborhood Watch Lands Him In Monroe County Jail
Undeterred, a quick-thinking deputy hopped on a rescue board and, in a scene straight out of Baywatch, paddled after the suspect. After a bit of friendly persuasion, the deputy convinced Pendley to ditch his aquatic escape plan and surrender.
Soaked but safely back on dry land, Pendley was arrested and in no time was en route to the Walton County Jail, where he’ll likely be swapping his swim trunks for an orange jumpsuit.
Read: Lakeland Duo’s Early Morning Hide-And-Seek Ends In Arrest, Courtesy Of Polk County Sheriff K9
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