Teen pulled from James, then charged

Cold teen pulled from James River after police pursuit

A 17-year-old boy was pulled from the James River in Chesterfield County yesterday morning after police said he jumped into the water while eluding police during a traffic stop.

The incident began about 7:25 a.m. on Robious Road when a Chesterfield officer using radar clocked a car traveling 71 mph in a 45-mph zone. Police said that when the officer tried to stop the car, the motorist continued to drive and turned from Robious onto James River Road, where Bettie Weaver Elementary and James River High schools are located.

From there, the driver continued a short distance into Robious Landing Park at the James River, said Chesterfield Lt. Doug Mooney.

Police said the driver then bailed out of the moving car, ran down a trail and jumped into the water. The still-moving car drifted into an object, keeping it from plunging into the river, Mooney said.

The driver swam a short distance before climbing onto a stationary log in the river, police said.

"With the air and water temperature, I don't think you could go too far," Mooney said.

Chesterfield Fire & EMS were called to assist.

"For some reason, he was unresponsive to attempts to help him," Mooney said. "It could have been the initial shock of the cold water."

A firefighter in a wet suit had to wade into the water and physically grab the boy and bring him back to shore about 8 a.m. The teen was taken to a local hospital with symptoms of hypothermia.

"Our primary concern was his physical well-being," Mooney said. The boy, whose name and place of residence were not released, was charged with eluding police, reckless driving, possession of marijuana and unlawful purchase of alcohol.

Contact Mark Bowes at (804) 649-6450 or .