Portland police arrested a man Wednesday afternoon after he allegedly ran from officers, stole a kayak and tried to paddle away on the Columbia River using his hands as paddles.

Police say Ejonte Paden, 24, had outstanding warrants and was wanted for a domestic violence incident. On Wednesday, after trying to flee from police in a car in North Portland, Paden abandoned the car and started running toward the Columbia River, police say. He then stole a kayak from private property, police say, and started paddling down the river, first using his hands and then floating.

Portland police Sgt. Brad Yakots said Paden made it about 1,000 yards before police reached him. They arrested him, and medics examined him to make sure the cold water hadn’t affected him. He was then arrested and lodged in the Multnomah County Jail.

Officials say Paden faces several charges related to prior crimes including menacing, strangulation and unlawful use of a weapon. Related to Wednesday’s kayak theft, he faces charges of burglary and attempt to elude by boat.

—Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR

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