Man dies after making 300-foot-jump over San Joaquin River in a Mercedes

A man fleeing police sped a car across the San Joaquin River at North Dickenson and West Herndon avenues. A man fleeing police sped a car across the San Joaquin River at North Dickenson and West Herndon avenues. Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Man dies after making 300-foot-jump over San Joaquin River in a Mercedes 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A 58-year-old Fresno man escaping police died Monday after driving a silver Mercedes sedan at over 100 mph and hurtling it over the San Joaquin River, according to multiple news reports.

The Fresno County's coroner's office identified the man as David Callahan.

The Fresno Bee reported the car traveled some 330 feet across the river, leaving officers stunned.

Driver dies after rocketing 400ft across the San Joaquin River during a high speed police chase https://t.co/AqJuI0jVsV — Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) January 21, 2020

"In my 20 years, I've never seen a vehicle travel close to that distance," CHP spokesperson Mike Salas told ABC News.

The police pursuit began when officers said they noticed a swerving car, with the driver refusing to pull over. Initially, the chase was slow with Callahan driving at 30 mph, but then he sped off, police say.

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Callahan crossed the river where North Dickenson Avenue hits a dead-end at West Herndon Avenue and a river bluff.

The incident is under investigation. Salas told ABC30 that drugs may have been a factor.

"They were able to find that there were some issues going on at the house that may have contributed to him leaving erratically from his residence," Salas said.

Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.