Man attempts to run from police in chase across Blackstone River

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — The Woonsocket Police Department shared that a man was arrested on Tuesday, March 19, after fleeing the scene of an accident.

Eric Carter, 21, of Bellingham is facing charges of Obstruction and other traffic violations following the incident where hw fled the scene of an accident.

Police shared they responded to a report of suspicious vehicle in a driveway near Manville Road.

According to police, a Volkswagen Jetta with heavy front end damage leaned up against a utility pole was observed upon arrival.

The officer on duty noticed the drivers door open, where he encountered Carter.

Carter began to flee the scene when the officer arrived.

This initiated a foot chase between the officer and Carter, where they traveled through a neighborhood, passed through a business complex, and headed toward the railroad tracks.

This is a photo of a map where the chase was pursued. (WLNE/Google Maps)

According to police, Carter lost his footing when he encountered an embankment and slipped down to the tracks.

Carter stumbled down a second hill in this pursuit, the officer following closely behind.

The chase came to an end when Carter swam across the Blackstone River and was pursued on the other side.

Carter then confirmed his identity with the police and was placed into custody and medically evaluated.

Once the pursuing officer returned to the car, it was discovered that there were two other people in the Jetta.

One person appeared to be intoxicated, according to police. That person was also transported to RI Hospital by Rescue for a leg injury.

The officer searched the car and found Carter’s ID.

After further investigation, it was found that before the crash the three people in the car were arguing before the crash happened.

The car was towed from the scene.

Carter was released on a court summons and will appear on April 11.

Follow ABC6 for updates.