A teenager caught up in the Maylands river tragedy last month in which two boys died has been arrested and charged after allegedly trying to elude police through the Canning River on Monday.

Police search the Swan River in Maylands last month. Credit:AAP

The 17-year-old was arrested on Monday afternoon after allegedly breaking into a house in Ferndale, south-east of Perth.

It's understood the teenager, along with two others, was chased by police for about half an hour.

It's alleged he swam through the Canning River before being arrested.