For the second time in less than a month, a suspect has tried to escape from Waterloo police by jumping into the Cedar River. The latest incident occurred Tuesday night when officers were called to home to investigate an assault and possible burglary.
Witnesses told police a man, later identified as Richard Eastman of Waterloo, ran from the scene with some items taken from the home. Authorities searched the area and found Eastman a short distance away. Police say when Eastman saw approaching officers, he dropped the items, ran toward the river and jumped in.
Police say Eastman drifted downstream for about four blocks before swimming to shore and being pulled from the water. He’s now in jail on numerous charges. Police say the alleged assault victims suffered minor injuries. Tuesday marked the second time in four weeks that a fleeing suspect has jumped into the Cedar River in an attempt to avoid capture by Waterloo police.
Officers also pulled a man from the frigid water on March 30th following a domestic disturbance call. In that case, the suspect led police on a chase and then jumped off a downtown bridge in an effort to get away.
By Elwin Huffman, KOEL, Oelwein