boatpursuit.jpg

A screen grab from a video taken by a Clackamas County Sheriff's deputy during the pursuit of an allegedly stolen boat on the Willamette River Friday.

(Clackamas County Sheriff)

Alicia Marie Johnson.

Police say a 28-year-old Milwaukie woman led deputies on a bizarre chase that started when the woman swam from the shore to a marina and stole a boat Friday.



Clackamas County Sheriff's officials said the 2-mile chase started at about 2:15 p.m. when Alicia Johnson swam from the Willamette River's shore to the Sportcraft Landing Marina in Oregon City at 1701 Clackamette Drive and allegedly stole a brown and white cabin cruiser.

A Clackamas County Sheriff's river patrol deputy activated the siren and lights on his patrol vessel and followed the boat, which was being driven erratically.



After nearly striking a personal watercraft near the Meldrum Bar boat launch (the watercraft operator was thrown from their vessel), and nearly striking a paddle-boarder, the boat's motor overheated and the boat went dead in the water.



Johnson failed to comply with the deputy, allegedly threatened him with a metal object, put on a life jacket and jumped into the river.

She then swam to shore and ran into yard on a home on the shore.

Another deputy located Johnson and she was taken to the Clackamas County Jail on accusations of unlawful use of a vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon and attempting to elude police in a boat.

-- Stuart Tomlinson