Police say a Suffolk man fleeing arrest jumped off the James River Bridge Monday morning to avoid capture.

According to Virginia State Police, a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles officer saw a black sedan driving recklessly strike another vehicle on the bridge at approximately 8:45 a.m. The sedan’s driver, identified as 29-year-old Kelly Golden of Suffolk, allegedly fled the scene on foot and, as he approached the drawbridge that connects Newport News with Isle of Wight County, saw a State Police car in the lane and jumped off the south side of the bridge into the river.

Golden survived the fall and drifted north in the water until a civilian vessel located him and pulled him to safety. Golden was transported to Riverside Regional Medical Center, where Newport News Police are waiting to arrest him upon his release. Golden is wanted for a felony probation violation.

A total of four vehicles were involved in the crash, which occurred as the drawbridge was lifting to allow a vessel to pass through. Police say Golden’s car struck three vehicles, sideswiping a 2022 Toyota Rava and striking a 2018 Dodge Charger and 2019 Ford Fusion in the rear. The drivers of the other three vehicles were not injured.

State Police have charged Goldman with reckless driving and the DMV officer is also pursuing a charge of eluding.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 3:43 p.m. with additional details.