Despite jumping into a pond and swimming away from police, an Ithaca man was arrested early Tuesday morning after being spotted out in the back of a closed business in the town of Ithaca.
A Tompkins County Sheriff’s Deputy reported that a suspicious man fled on foot as he attempted to speak with him after spotting him walk away from the back of a closed business in the 600 block of Elmira Road. The suspect, later identified as 35-year-old Michael Thomas, ran down Brewery Lane and then into a heavily wooded area. He then entered a pond and swam away. After a lengthy ground search, the 35-year-old Thomas was taken into custody without incident in the 800 block of Five Mile Drive.
Police later learned a burglary had taken place in the 600 block of Elmira Road and the fleeing suspect matched the description of Thomas.
After being checked over at Cayuga Medical Center, Thomas was charged with burglary, criminal possession of stolen property and possession of burglar tools. He was also found to be on parole for similar crimes.
Thomas is now jailed without bail.
Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on the scene by NYS Park Police, New York State Police, Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office, Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response, and Bangs Ambulance.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
