Posted Thursday, December 21, 2017 3:01 pm

- A driver fled from a traffic stop on Tuesday in DeLand, tried to take refuge in a lake, and told deputies he fled because he had a "case of the stupids." A Volusia County Sheriff's (VCSO) deputy tried to pull over 45-year-old Thomas Nelson at around 10:37 PM Tuesday in the 1000 block of Carter Rd. in DeLand. According to arrest reports, Nelson was not wearing a seat-belt and had inoperable tag lights. Nelson turned on his blinker as if he was going to pull over, but be did not stop and continued driving. Nelson got out of the car, fled on foot until he reached a lake, and tried to swim away across the lake. Nelson ignored commands from deputies to return to shore, and officials tried to use a K-9 to retrieve him, but that plan was unsuccessful. Deputies used a small boat to paddle toward Nelson and ultimately took him into custody. A glass smoking pipe was found in Nelson's pocket, and remnants on the pipe tested positive for methamphetamine, according to VCSO. Nelson was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, driving while his license was suspended, resisting arrest without violence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail after receiving treatment on-scene for shortness of breath. He was held on a total of $6,000 bond.

(Nelson's mugshot courtesy Volusia County Jail)

You can find a video of the incident, courtesy VCSO, here . Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.