J.D. Gallop

FLORIDA TODAY

Palm Bay police caught a lift on a citizen's boat to pull a man from the waters of the Indian River today after officers said he fled from a traffic stop for speeding.

The suspect, identified as Hugh Kelly, 33, was charged with fleeing, violation of probation, driving with a suspended license, police reports show. He was taken to Palm Bay Hospital for a medical checkup before being taken back to the police department for holding.

The incident began about 8:41 a.m. today as Palm Bay Officer Randy Truitt stopped a driver on Bay Boulevard. Kelly, the driver, got out of the Chevy sport utility vehicle and ran from the officer, prompting a foot chase, reports show. Police said Kelly ran into river, jumped in and started swimming.

"He got out to about three quarters of a mile," said Yvonne Martinez, spokeswoman for the Palm Bay Police Department. Officers spotted a citizen and asked to use his boat at the Palm Bay Marina, Martinez said.

The citizen gave the officers a lift and immediately went out to pull Kelly – described by police as exhausted – from the water.

"He was exhausted and was about to go under when our officers got to him," said Sgt. Steve Shytle in a statement. "At that point he surrendered."

Officers also determined that Kelly had a warrant for his arrest on traffic charges. He was also given a speeding ticket for $209 for travelling 64 mph in a 50 mph zone, reports show. Kelly will be turned over to the Brevard County Detention Center later today.