Fleeing man was looking for escape route, Oregon police say. Then he saw the kayak

His getaway car ended up being a stolen kayak.

Oregon police arrested Ejonte Paden, 24, who tried to flee officers by paddling down a river in a kayak, authorities said. Paden was “wanted for outstanding warrants and for an unrelated incident involving domestic violence,” according to a release by the Portland police.

Paden tried to outrun officers in a car and eventually abandoned it. He then ran towards the Columbia River, stole a kayak, and tried to paddle away down the river. Police quickly arrested Paden before he “experienced negative effects from the frigid water.”

Paden underwent a medical evaluation and was interviewed by investigators. He was then booked into the Multonomah County Detention Center on two warrants. He also was also charged with strangulation, burglary, menacing, unlawful use of weapon, and elude, according to booking information.

Portland police had help from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Portland Fire and Rescue.

This story was originally published December 19, 2019 at 9:09 AM.