A burglary suspect attempted to make his getaway by swimming across the Arkansas River, according to the Tulsa Police Department.

TPD said Jenks police asked for help in apprehending Brian Crabtree, who we’re told fled in a stolen vehicle.

Crabtree bailed on foot near 84th and Peoria and ran into the woods, police said.

We’re told patrol officers, K9 officers and the Tulsa police helicopter located Crabtree in a wooded area near the 96th Street Bridge.

Police told us that’s when Crabtree tried to swim away in the Arkansas River.

The Tulsa Fire Department Water Rescue Team assisted by launching boats to get the suspect to the shoreline.

“It turns out Crabtree is quite the swimmer, as he was able to swim from the west bank of the river over to the east bank. But eventually, he reached the point of exhaustion and decided that jail was preferable over drowning, and he surrendered by the bridge.” TPD wrote on Facebook.

According to jail records, Crabtree was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, assault with a dangerous weapon, eluding, larceny from retailer and wearing a mask in commission of a felony.

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