Dramatic Chase: Florida Murder Suspect Swims Canal, Climbs Tree to Flee Police – LIVE UPDATES

Lakeland A Florida murder suspect attempted a daring escape from officers swimming across a canal and climbing a tree in a desperate bid to avoid capture police stated The chase unfolded in Lakeland near Saddle Creek Canal drawing heavy law enforcement presence and alarming local residents Deputies released that the suspect went to extreme lengths to flee after being confronted prompting an hours-long search in the area Agents eventually located the man hiding in a tree canopy before taking him into custody Officers urged residents to remain indoors during the affair as officers worked to secure the neighborhood Key Facts DEVELOPING Murder suspect fled across canal in dramatic escape attempt IMPACT Dozens of officers deployed local residents alarmed by chase OFFICIAL SOURCE The suspect went to extreme lengths to avoid capture Sheriff s Office ACTION Residents urged to remain indoors during current search Impact Of Lakeland Precise Location Lakeland Near Saddle Creek Canal and US Highway Society Connection I ve never seen anything like this in my neighborhood he was desperate Maria Lopez local resident Visual Proof Unique Angle WHY THIS MATTERS NOW Police warn of escalating risks as persons of interest use extreme survival tactics to escape arrest DOCUMENTED EVIDENCE Problem Response IMMEDIATE INFORMATION Polk County Sheriff s Office - Crime Stoppers - - -TIPS OFFICIAL GUIDANCE Stay away from the area and call if you see suspicious activity Sheriff Grady Judd Polk County Sheriff s Office Group Pulse VOTE Should police use drones more often in rural manhunts Yes it s safer No too invasiveSound off in comments agents monitoring feedback Update Log PM Suspect captured after being discovered hiding in tree canopy PM Sheriff confirms canal traveling during escape attempt PM Search launched near Saddle Creek Canal after suspect fled on foot