Perpetrator runs into the Thames to escape the police

Police asked Amtrak to cease operations as the suspect first ran toward the railroad tracks and then toward the river.

NEW LONDON, Connecticut – A man suspected of assault was arrested Thursday after he walked into the Thames River to evade New London police, the city’s police department said.

Richard Kaczmarczyk, 59, of New London, is charged with obstructing police, third-degree assault, two counts of first-degree failure to appear, four counts of second-degree failure to appear, probation violation, violation of a restraining order and second-degree harassment.

He is also wanted on eight active arrest warrants, police said.

Police said they went to Riverside Park after receiving a 911 call at 1:11 p.m. from a woman who claimed she had been attacked by a man later identified as Kaczmarczyk.

After noticing officers arriving on the scene, including police dog Zeke, Kaczmarczyk ran on foot toward the train tracks, according to police. Officers then contacted Amtrak and had train service temporarily halted.

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To escape the police, Kaczmarczyk then fled into the Thames and swam to a nearby construction ship, police said.

New London police said they were assisted by several marine units from Waterford, Groton Town, Groton City, as well as the United States Coast Guard in surrounding Kaczmarczyk, who refused to leave the water and “held on to a mooring line for over an hour.”

Kaczmarczyk eventually surrendered and was taken into custody before being taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, police said. The woman was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call 860-447-5269 (ext. 0) or report anonymously through the New London Tips 411 system.

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Sean Humphrey is a Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected]

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