If you saw a large police presence on the Levy yesterday afternoon, March 28th, around 5:30, we now know why. The Franklin County Sheriff’s office says that about 5:20, a deputy made a traffic stop involving 34-year-old Joshua Franks, of Melvern. After a brief conversation, Franks fled from the deputy, on foot and ran onto the levy near First and Hickory. He eventually jumped into the river. At least nine officers responded to the scene and made their way down the rocky levy to the river bank, just west of the pedestrian bridge. The river is shallow at that point, and Franks stood or squatted down in the water, as officers from the sheriff department and Ottawa Police department tried to convince him to come ashore.
The standoff, or, wade off, as one person called it, went on for about 30 minutes. Finally, Frank came to shore and surrendered peacefully. The Ottawa Fire Department Water Rescue Team was on stand-by just in case a water rescue was needed. Franklin County EMS checked Franks out on the river bank. He was arrested for driving while suspended, no proof of insurance, and interference with law enforcement. No injuries were reported.
