A man jumped into the water below the Johnson Street Bridge while fleeing from VicPD officers last week.
The incident unfolded on Friday, March 20th, on the Esquimalt side of the bridge and was witnessed by several people in the area.
A video circulating online shows multiple officers pursuing the man on foot before he reaches the edge of the bridge and jumps into the water below in an apparent attempt to evade arrest.
Prior to the police response, a witness account shared online describes the man allegedly acting aggressively toward members of the public on the bridge.
According to VicPD, officers were called around 11:12 p.m. after receiving reports of a man acting aggressively toward the public on the Johnson Street Bridge.
Police say when officers arrived, they located a suspect matching the description, but when they attempted to engage him, the man fled.
He then climbed over the railing on the north side of the bridge and entered the water below.
Officers responded immediately, with one entering the harbour and securing the individual within minutes. That officer then began swimming to shore, assisted by three other VicPD members who also entered the water to help with the rescue.
With assistance from partner agencies, the man was safely recovered, assessed by paramedics, and transported to hospital for further care.
It is not yet known if charges are being considered.
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