A man in Kimberling City, Missouri, chose the Olympic diving way when faced with certain arrest after he was seen jumping off a bridge into a lake after deputies attempted to pull him over. Fortunately, his cordless bungee jumping attempt didn’t end in tragedy, but certainly behind bars.
According to a probable cause statement obtained by the Kansas City Star, the incident occurred on Saturday, July 18. At around 1:50 a.m., a Stone County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputy observed a driver traveling at around 75 mph in a 45 mph zone.
The deputy in question attempted to conduct a traffic stop. This was unsuccessful, as the driver is accused of driving off into a parking lot, around a building, and then toward the Kimberling City Bridge on top of Table Rock Lake.
Eventually, things seemed to slow down as the driver and the deputy were on the bridge. What followed next was certainly a choice.
A Dive for the Ages
Footage released by the SCSO and reshared by NBC News showed the driver’s 2004 Chevrolet Malibu almost coming to a stop. The driver’s door was open as the vehicle slowly moved forward.
However, at one point during the now-slow pursuit, a man, later identified as 26-year-old Gavin Thor Lundgren, exited his vehicle in a hurry. Then, he rushed to the opposing lane and prepared himself for the plunge.
As if he were a professional swimmer, Lundgren can be seen jumping into Table Rock Lake. Reportedly, that’s around a 50-foot drop, which can be fatal.
Suspect Arrested
The deputy, shocked by what he had seen, stayed some seconds in silence. Then he used his radio to ask for water patrol assistance.
Still on the bridge, the deputy placed the vehicle in park as it continued to move on the bridge. Inside, as per the affidavit, the deputy found the suspect’s driver’s license, confirming his identity.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agents eventually located Lundgren. Still, he would wrestle his way out of an arrest, injuring officers with cuts and lacerations and headbutting one of them, the SCSO said.
Diver Charged
Gavin Thor Lundgren was booked into Stone County Jail. He is charged with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention, third-degree assault, and two counts of fourth-degree assault. Additionally, he was scheduled to appear in court for a damaging jail property charge.
The bizarre nature of his actions wasn’t a first for him. Allegedly, while in jail back in May, he removed his mattress’ stuffing to make a “sleeping bag” of sorts, where he would finally rest.
“This was definitely a first and luckily he survived the fall,” the SCSO said, referring to Lundgren’s dive.