Suspect Swims for 7 Hours to Evade Arrest

Police arrested a felony suspect early Monday morning in San Diego after he swam along the coast for seven hours attempting to evade arrest.

The incident began around 10 p.m. Sunday when a Coronado police officer tried to approach the suspect near Hotel del Coronado at 1500 Orange Ave. The man then fled from law enforcement officials and swam nearly 2.5 miles away to Silver Strand Beach.

Police, K-9 units, divers and helicopter patrol tried to coax the suspect out of the water for more than 7 hours, during which time the man said threatening comments to officials. He swam up and down the coast throughout the standoff.

Eventually the man was arrested shortly after 5 a.m. near the Hotel del Coronado and booked in jail. Police believe he was under the influence.

Officials said the incident was narcotics-related and he is known by police in Coronado for past episodes.