Intense body camera footage shows New York City police officers pursuing suspect Matthew Swafford, who jumped off a pier to escape authorities. The officers continued the chase and leapt into the water.
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Swafford plunged into the waters of the East Rockaway Canal on Thursday (7). Officers are seen running to the edge of the pier as he tries to flee, even with officers ordering him to stop.
The suspect didn’t count on the quick action of a female officer who removed her gear to dive into the water after Swafford. The footage shows the two grappling in the water.
Another officer involved in the case joins his colleague in the water to help bring the suspect to shore.
After being handcuffed, officers asked Swafford: “We went through all this for a stolen car?” to which he replied it was “stupidity.”
Swafford was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, attempted falsification of a vehicle identification number, unauthorized use of a vehicle, obstruction of governmental administration, and resisting arrest, according to prosecutors.
Judge Glenda Hernandez ordered him held on $15,000 cash bail or a $45,000 bond.
A suspected car thief tried to make his escape by diving into the water.
He didn’t count on our dedicated @NYPD101Pct officers following him without hesitation, putting duty before danger.Their quick action ended the chase safely, bringing him onto shore, and into custody. pic.twitter.com/QDNqqG7YvO
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) August 10, 2025
Photos: X @NYPDnews. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
