Story Archive

Can You Float Me Some Bail Money?

A patrolling officer in Columbus, Ga., tried to pull over a car for a minor traffic infraction. The driver, later identified as Joshua Hall, 28, sped off, leading a chase, police say. After crashing, the driver jumped out and ran — into the Chattahoochee River. But the swift water was too much for him: Hall pulled himself onto a rock to await rescue. “He almost died out there,” an officer said. “The current almost took him away.” In addition to the original charge — displaying an expired license tag — Hall was charged with felony willful obstruction of a law enforcement officer, felony fleeing a police officer, a “wide array” of traffic offenses, and being in the river within the Chattahoochee Whitewater Park without wearing a personal flotation device. The district attorney asked the judge for a high bail, since “Obviously, he’s a flight risk,” and the judge ordered Hall held without bond. (RC/Columbus Ledger-Enquirer) ...They’re strict about water safety in Columbus.