PAINESVILLE, Ohio — What started as a high-speed chase turned into a water rescue for officers of the Painesville Police Department in the early morning hours on Tuesday.
Around 2:45 a.m., officers were pursuing a 2010 Toyota Corolla for running a red light at the intersection of Richmond and Chester Streets. The vehicle, driven by 32-year-old Michael Clemens of Hamden, fled southbound towards Newell Street, running multiple stop signs.
The chase ended when Clemens lost control of his car on Renaissance Parkway. The vehicle flipped into a nearby pond and began to sink.
Officers Ryan Cueni, Kevin Love and Cory Whitt sprang to action to rescue Clemens and his 33-year-old female passenger. Officer Cueni was able to open the passenger door and grab the female passenger, moving her towards other officers who pulled her to safety. Officers were quickly able to pull Clemens from the vehicle only seconds before it fully submerged.
Clemens, who police say had an active warrant, was taken to TriPoint Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. He was charged with failure to comply, red light violation, driving under FRA suspension and no operator’s license.
Clemens pled not guilty at his Tuesday arraignment in Painesville Municipal Court. Bond was set at $7,500.
The incident remains an active investigation.
