A 33-year-old Sims man had a close call over the weekend when he drove his vehicle into flood waters during a high-speed pursuit with Wayne County Sheriff’s deputies north of Wayne City.

According to the sheriff’s office, around 1:44 a.m. Saturday, Christopher Downen was fleeing a traffic stop in a rural area north of Wayne City. The pursuit reportedly reached speeds up to 95 miles per hour when the vehicle drove into a flooded area on County Road 1250N.

The pursuing deputy observed the vehicle becoming fully submerged in the backwater. Downen then smashed out the back window of the vehicle. The deputy commanded Downen to come to him, but Downen yelled he couldn’t swim and the deputy observed him go under the water with his arms flailing.

Deputy Josh Manahan immediately removed his equipment, entered the water and swam to Downen who he was able to rescue and get to dry land.

Downen was transported to the Fairfield Memorial Hospital and upon his release, he was transported to the Wayne County Jail on charges of possession of a controlled substance and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude.

Downen was searched before his arrest and pressed pills were located in a glass vial. The pills later field-tested positive for Fentanyl.