Local police pulled a man from the Flatrock River in Columbus over night, after he allegedly stole an SUV and fled from officers.

36-year-old Jerry W. Hounshell was arrested following his rescue by the Bartholomew County Water Rescue Team last night.

Lt. Matt Harris, spokesman for the Columbus police, said officers saw a white SUV near 11th and Jackson Street at about 11:53 p.m. Wednesday that matched the description of one stolen earlier in the day. When officers tried to stop the vehicle, the suspect allegedly fled onto Tellman Road, abandoned the vehicle in the woods and then ran away. Police dogs tracked the suspect to the river, where officers could hear the man shouting for help. He was holding onto a log in the middle of the river.

After being picked up by airboat, Hounshell was treated for hypothermia at Columbus Regional Hospital, then sent to jail. He is facing preliminary charges of auto theft, resisting law enforcement in a vehicle and on foot and an outstanding warrant.