Suspects tried to swim away from officers during police pursuit in Delaware County

TINICUM TOWNSHIP, Pa. - A police pursuit in Delaware County ended with the arrest of several vehicle theft suspects who tried to evade arrest in an unexpected way.

What we know:

Police attempted to stop a stolen vehicle after several vehicle break-ins were reported throughout Delaware County early Thursday morning.

The pursuit came to an end when the fleeing vehicle crashed on Tinicum Road in Tinicum Township around 1:30 a.m.

Four suspects then tried to evade arrest by jumping into a large pond nearby, according to authorities.

State police, along with local departments, surrounded the pond and took all four suspects into custody.

Dig deeper:

Upper Darby Township Police say it started with a report of a theft from a vehicle on Alexander Avenue in Drexel Hill, just before midnight.

The homeowner, Keith Haury, a local EMT and firefighter, says his surveillance video showed two people inside his brand-new pick-up truck. In the video, one individual can be seen leaving his truck to get into another car that pulls up alongside them, a silver Kia. The other individual follows, wearing what Haury says was his bulletproof vest he wears to work.

He got in his truck and attempted to go after them.

"I totally feel violated, I made one payment on this truck so far, I just got it, and now someone’s been in it," he said.

Upper Darby Police say their officers then spotted that silver Kia, with Jersey registration. Officers attempted to pull the driver over, but the Kia did not stop, and continued into West Philadelphia. Roughly a half hour later, police in Prospect Park found the Kia, unattended, and then got a call about a black Dodge Durango stolen from Prospect Avenue.

"Not long after, a Springfield Township Police officer spots that Dodge Durango, attempts to stop it, and it flees from that officer, they pursue that vehicle onto 95," said Superintendent Tim Bernhardt of the Upper Darby Township Police Department.

Police say the Durango exited at Exit 10 and all four individuals got out and went into a pond in Tinicum Township. Multiple agencies responded and police say they arrested Bryan De La Cruze-Reyes, 18, and Alvaro Rivera, 18, and two juveniles, including a 14-year-old who had to go to the hospital to be treated for hypothermia.

"You can’t outrun the radio, the municipalities in Delaware County, we all work hand in hand," said Superintendent Bernhardt. "The story ends with don’t come across the bridge, and don’t come into Delaware County thinking you can steal, because you will be caught, and our District Attorney is going to prosecute you."

Police say Haury’s keys and wallet were found inside the stolen Kia, and one of the suspects wore his bulletproof vest into the pond, which he was able to retrieve from police.

"That will be in the washing machine tonight," said Haury. "It’s sad, it’s sad this is where we’re at, I’m glad they got them."

What we don't know:

The identities of the suspects have yet to be released, and no charges have been announced at this time.

What you can do:

Upper Darby Township Police say anyone who thinks they might have been a victim of a car break-in overnight to contact them as the group could be connected to other crimes.