Officer Jumps Into The Water, Fights Off Career Criminal Trying To Flee

In a dramatic incident on August 5, a New York City police officer leapt into the East Rockaway Inlet to arrest a suspected car thief, Matthew Swafford, in Queens. The NYPD released footage showing the officer, part of the 101 Precinct, removing her gear and jumping into the water to apprehend Swafford, who had fled by jumping off a dock.

The officer jumped into the water, where she engaged in a hand-to-hand struggle with Swafford, described as a career criminal with a history of vehicle thefts. Despite the suspect's attempts to evade capture, the officer, with assistance from her male colleague, successfully brought Swafford to shore, where he was taken into custody.

The arrest followed a report from the Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol about a stolen 2025 Honda sedan. Swafford, who has a lengthy criminal record, now faces multiple charges, including Grand Larceny Auto, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, and Obstructing Governmental Administration. He was arraigned and held on $15,000 cash bail or a $45,000 bond.

Swafford is due back in court on October 22 for this case, with another appearance scheduled for August 21 related to prior arrests. His criminal history includes charges of first-degree robbery and assault on a police officer.

You can watch the bodycam footage below: