Man arrested after driving stolen vehicle into St. Joseph River

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A man was arrested early Monday morning after driving a stolen vehicle into the St. Joseph River, according to South Bend Police.

Just after 2 a.m., police were called to the 300 block of E. Lasalle to investigate reports of a stolen vehicle.

While taking the report, other responding officers spotted the vehicle near Brookfield and Bulla and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, reports said.

The driver did not stop and led officers on a brief pursuit, police said.

In the area of Portage and Boland, the driver drove east on Boland, through a wooded area and into the St. Joseph River.

Police contacted the South Bend Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team for help at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle climbed out, onto its roof, then jumped into the river, police said. He then climbed up the east side of the bank.

Following a search, the suspect was located on the Saint Mary's College campus and was taken into custody.

The driver, identified as 23-year-old Aeryk Brant, was taken to the St. Joseph County Jail after being taken to the hospital to be medically cleared. He is facing charges of theft and resisting law enforcement.