LUMMI NATION, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An Acme man has been charged with a felony after police say he jumped into the Nooksack River to avoid arrest.

Court documents state 51-year-old Matthew Pruett pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to felony attempting to elude police along with several misdemeanors.

It stems from an incident on Aug. 31 when a Lummi Nation Police officer attempted to stop a driver who nearly collided head-on with oncoming traffic near Slater Road and Ferndale Road.

According to the police report, a chase ensued and the driver stopped in the middle of the Nooksack River bridge on Slater before leaving their van and jumping into the river.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies found Pruett on the west bank of the river near the dead end of Rayhorst Road and took him into custody.

Court documents state Pruett told police he fled because he had outstanding warrants and because “he hated going to jail.” According to jail booking records, he had warrants for possession of a stolen vehicle in Bellingham and driving with a suspended license.

Pruett’s last known address is listed in Acme, though he was granted a request to reside in King County.

He’s expected back in court on Sept. 30 before his trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on Oct. 26.

Whatcom News was first to report on the incident.