Formal charges are pending after a Melvern man who allegedly tried to flee from Franklin County deputies by jumping into a river.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office says one of its deputies began a traffic stop involving 34-year-old Joshua B Franks around 5:20 pm Thursday. There was apparently a brief conversation before Franks allegedly fled from the deputy and jumped into the Marais des Cygnes River. The Sheriff’s Office says the water was shallow, but Ottawa Fire and Franklin County EMS were dispatched if a water rescue was needed.
Franklin County deputies and Ottawa Police officers talked with Franks for “an extended period of time” before getting Franks to leave the river without further incident.
Franks was arrested on suspicion of interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended and not having proof of insurance.
