Suspect arrested after South Bend police chase ends in St. Joseph River

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - A South Bend man is in jail and faces several charges after a vehicle pursuit ended in the St. Joseph River.

Officers with the South Bend Police Department were called around 9:40 a.m. on Sunday to the 100 block of West Jefferson Boulevard on reports of a man in the area that was wanted on a warrant.

Police say the man, identified as 47-year-old Edward Silcox, left in an SUV. Officers tried to pull Silcox over at Main Street and Jefferson Boulevard, but he took off, so a chase began.

The SUV eventually ran over stop sticks at Western Avenue and William Street, puncturing the driver’s side tires. The SUV continued traveling, but eventually came to a stop in the 1000 block of Wayne Street. Despite commands from several officers to exit the vehicle, Silcox again drove away.

Driving on just rims on the driver’s side, Silcox continued to evade officers and intentionally drove into the St. Joseph River at the boat launch near the 900 block of Northside Boulevard.

Officers threw a water rescue throw bag to Silcox after they saw him and a dog exit the sinking vehicle. After rescuing both from the water, Silcox, was detained and initially taken to the hospital before he was taken to the St. Joseph County Jail on preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement, reckless driving, and driving while suspended.

The dog was taken into the care of Animal Control. Police say Silcox and the dog were the only occupants of the SUV.

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