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Police Save Fleeing Perp Drowning in River

16 Comments

TAMPA, Fla. – A Zephyrhills man reportedly trying to get away from Tampa police had to be rescued by an officer after jumping into the Hillsborough River.

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Police say 34-year-old Craig Kendrick was driving a suspected stolen vehicle with his two teenage sons early Monday morning, when an officer tried to pull him over. The car crashed after a short chase. Police say Kendrick jumped in the nearby river and swam about 30 yards before stopping and calling for help. Officer Mark Vazquez used the back seat from a police vehicle to swim out to Kendrick and pull him onto shore, where he was treated for hypothermia and chest pain.

Kendrick was charged with armed robbery, grand theft and other charges. He was being held without bail.

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deputyroark

over 3 years ago

196 Comments

Good job Officer Vazquez.
Whalewatcher

over 3 years ago

9818 Comments

Great work by Officer Vazquez !! Hey Kendrick, pulling you out of the river was your Christmas present !!!!
IowaNinersFan

over 3 years ago

8088 Comments

Good job Officer Vazquez.
Anonymous

over 3 years ago

Nice work by the officers!
Anonymous

over 3 years ago

Dear Criminals,

I understand that when you do a serious crime that you can become very desperate. But you must understand that as police officer, our job is to put you behind bars. Jumping into a river will not deter us from doing that job. As you can see, you either could not swim or just became very tired from runnning. So, in the future just throw your hands up in the air and give up. We'll catch you no matter what!
184retired

over 3 years ago

3804 Comments

Gee what a difference from the previous article yet another ambush...All we do is try and help in this case Officer Vazquez risked his own life to save a criminal...Probably that would have just as soon shot him then be arrested...Yet everyone still hates the cops...Right up until you need them..It's a thankless job but some how so personally rewarding...Good job all the way around.
Jonas

over 3 years ago

38368 Comments

Officer Vazquez is my newest hero. I'm glad the good guy is ok. And I'm glad the bad guys went to jail. I love a happy ending.
usa_24

over 3 years ago

4994 Comments

Great by the officers. Now put time behind bars where he belongs.
Anonymous

over 3 years ago

Good job guys... Now, book his a**
Daysend

over 3 years ago

902 Comments

Thats heart and soul baby. It's a scumbag, but he's also a human life, and he needs your help.
Thats still going above and beyond if you ask me. We'll done.
specop

over 3 years ago

54 Comments

this is funny its right in my area,good job TPD!
dwhj03

over 3 years ago

56 Comments

Quick thinking on the officers part using the back seat as a flotation device. I hope the media lets these kind of stories come to public attention, Its nice to hear a good story about LEOs for a change.
mhare

over 3 years ago

424 Comments

I can only imagine the things Ofc. Vazquez was muttering under his breath (or maybe not under his breath) as he was paddling a patrol car seat out into a river to save that 9'er! I can almost here the "Baywatch" theme music!
Irishcop1961

over 3 years ago

36914 Comments

Great job Officer Vasquez.
DALLASCRANE

over 3 years ago

19386 Comments

God Save The Queen! Save those even if they are not worth saving. It's do into others.......as you would have them do unto you.