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Swim-witted car thief tries to ditch California cops by diving into ocean

swim-witted-car-thief-tries-to-ditch-california-cops-by-diving-into-ocean
Swim-witted car thief tries to ditch California cops by diving into ocean

This car thief’s getaway plan was all wet.

A swim-witted Huntington Beach thief tried to ditch cops by diving into the ocean but the Michael Phelps-wannabe’s escape plan was sunk when he had nowhere to paddle to.

The embarrassing caught-on-video getaway attempt came Sunday night after cops tried to pull him over for a traffic violation and he sped off in a stolen car in Huntington Beach — about 30 miles outside of Los Angeles — and onto the Pacific Coast Highway, cops said.

Thermal image of a suspect in the ocean, viewed from above.

A swim-witted Huntington Beach thief tried to ditch cops by diving into the ocean. Huntington Beach Police Department

Thermal image of two cars with bright headlights on a road.

The embarrassing caught-on-video getaway attempt came Sunday night after cops tried to pull him over. Huntington Beach Police Department

Huntington police used a spike strip to disable the stolen car’s tires, then slammed into the car to stop it, video showed. But the chase didn’t end there — as the “soggy suspect” and his passengers dove out of the car and tried to run off on foot, the department said in a snarky social media post.


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“Both suspects bailed out,” the post said. “The passenger was quickly taken into custody, while the driver ran toward the beach and went straight into the ocean, apparently forgetting that the beach closes at 10 p.m.”

Thermal image of an officer arresting a suspect in the ocean.

But the chase didn’t end there — as the “soggy suspect” and his passengers dove out of the car Huntington Beach Police Department

Thermal image of three figures, two of whom are restraining a third.

“The passenger was quickly taken into custody, while the driver ran toward the beach,” the post said. Huntington Beach Police Department

Video shows the thief sitting in the water as authorities surround him. With nowhere left to go, he finally gives up, the video shows.

The awkward escape video made a splash on social media, with police floating a wave of cracks over the failed escape.

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“When the beach is closed… It’s really closed,” they wrote. “Reminder: The beach is not an escape route, especially after hours.”

Both the thief and his passenger are now facing multiple charges, the department said. Police did not release their identities.

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