Man Fleeing Police Drowns After Jumping in River

Authorities awaiting toxicology reports on Julius Chandler Jr., 59

Princess Anne Police are awaiting toxicology results to determine if a man who drowned after jumping into the Wicomico River while fleeing police was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Police Chief Scott Keller said Tuesday that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found that 59-year-old Julius Chandler Jr. of Eden died Saturday of accidental drowning.

Keller said two officers who saw Chandler speeding and driving erratically tried to stop him. Police followed him on back roads until his car stopped.

The chief told the Daily Times of Salisbury that Chandler got out of his car, dove into the river and swam away.

Two law enforcers went in the river after Chandler, but could not reach him. A water rescue team located Chandler's body.

The Daily Times reports: "While the incident remains a mystery, Keller said Chandler's drivers license was suspended and he was facing numerous charges in a prior case which may have been the reason he decided to flee."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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