A routine traffic stop attempt by the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office Thursday, May 22, concluded with a car submerged in a retention pond and one individual in custody.

Deputies patrolled Mallard Road in the Jedburg area when they observed a black GMC Terrain with a defective license tag light. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver, later identified as Craig Michael Finkbeiner, 39, of Summerville, turned onto Lagoona Drive and accelerated.

Authorities stated the vehicle initially stopped in the wrong travel lane before accelerating again. During the subsequent pursuit, the GMC Terrain entered a retention pond. Deputies issued verbal commands, informing Finkbeiner that he was under arrest and instructing him to surrender. Finkbeiner instead swam toward a nearby wood line.

K9 Yoda was deployed to assist in the apprehension. Finkbeiner then re-entered the retention pond. Deputies ultimately placed Finkbeiner under arrest.

Finkbeiner faces charges of failing to stop for blue lights and driving under suspension. He was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the L.C. Knight Detention Center.