- Gavin Thor Lundgren, 26, jumped from a bridge into Table Rock Lake while fleeing police on July 18.
- The pursuit started after deputies tried to stop Lundgren for speeding at 75 mph in a 45-mph zone.
- Three deputies allegedly suffered injuries during Lundgren's arrest, which involved resistance and headbutting.
KIMBERLING CITY, MISSOURI — Weeks after a Louisiana man fleeing police jumped into a swamp and was attacked by an alligator, another unusual attempted escape has been captured on police video. This time, a Missouri driver left his moving vehicle and jumped from a bridge into Table Rock Lake during an early-morning pursuit.
The Stone County Sheriff’s Office identified the driver as Gavin Thor Lundgren, 26, of Kimberling City. He was booked into the Stone County Jail shortly after the incident on Saturday, July 18.
Deputies Attempt Traffic Stop
The pursuit began at approximately 1:50 a.m. on the north side of Kimberling City.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies attempted to stop Lundgren after allegedly observing his vehicle traveling about 75 mph in a 45-mph zone. Police said he continued south instead of stopping.
The pursuit eventually reached the Kimberling City Bridge, which crosses Table Rock Lake.
Driver Jumps From Bridge
Dashcam footage released by the sheriff’s office shows the vehicle slowing on the bridge before the driver’s door opens.
Lundgren then appears to leave the vehicle, run across the roadway and jump over the east side of the bridge into the lake below. The car remained in drive and continued rolling several feet after he exited.
Deputies approached the driverless vehicle and stopped it before it could continue farther along the bridge. No passengers were found inside.
Firefighters Join Search
Southern Stone County firefighters launched a boat to help search the water while deputies remained positioned along the shoreline and bridge.
A deputy later located Lundgren after the search. He had survived the jump and was taken into custody.
Authorities have not publicly detailed whether Lundgren required medical treatment for injuries related to the fall.
Three Deputies Allegedly Injured
According to the probable cause statement, Lundgren resisted officers as they attempted to arrest him.
Authorities allege that three deputies were injured during the struggle and that Lundgren headbutted two of them. He was eventually restrained and transported to the Stone County Jail.
Reports based on the arrest affidavit said the injuries included cuts, abrasions and facial bruising. No life-threatening injuries were reported.
Lundgren Faces Multiple Charges
Online court records list the following charges against Lundgren:
- Aggravated fleeing a stop or detention
- Third-degree assault involving a special victim
- Two counts of fourth-degree assault
Lundgren was arraigned on Tuesday, July 21. His plea and attorney information were not listed in the available online court docket at the time of reporting.
The Stone County jail’s booking record also lists initial allegations involving careless driving and resisting or interfering with an arrest. The sheriff’s office notes that jail booking charges may change following court appearances.
The charges remain allegations, and Lundgren is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
For more unusual cases in which arrests took unexpected turns, watch our video here:
