Wanted felon arrested after lengthy pursuit from roadway into Russian River: sheriff

A wanted felon was arrested Thursday evening after leading deputies on a lengthy chase that moved from a roadway into the Russian River near Cloverdale, ending with a water rescue and surrender, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies said the suspect fled from a vehicle in the 11800 block of River Road and ran toward the Russian River, swimming across and attempting to hide near the 13000 block of Riverside Drive. The chase stretched for more than an hour as the suspect repeatedly swam west in the river, climbed out and re-entered the water in an effort to avoid capture.

A sheriff's helicopter tracked the suspect from above and used a searchlight to pinpoint his location. A sergeant from the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit, who was being assisted by California State Parks and the Sonoma County Fire District, entered the river and rescued the suspect, who surrendered. He was brought safely to shore and taken into custody.

The suspect was identified as 25-year-old Raymundo Navarro-Jimenez. Officials said he was wanted on an outstanding felony warrant from San Joaquin County for narcotics-related offenses and possession of child pornography. He is also accused of evading and resisting arrest.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live