SAN DIEGO
A robbery suspect was taken to the hospital on Saturday after he was pulled out of the San Diego River while attempting to get away from police.
Police told 10News' media partner San Diego 6 that the incident began at about 3:30 p.m. when an undercover officer saw the man near JC Penney in Fashion Valley Mall. Authorities said the man -- who they say was carrying stolen property from a store in the mall -- ran away and jumped in the riverbed.
San Diego police Lt. Jerry Hara told San Diego 6 that the man became stuck in the muddy river and then was trapped underwater for about 30 to 40 seconds.
Officers and bystanders pulled the man to shore. They performed CPR on the man and were able to restore his breathing and pulse, according to San Diego 6. He was rushed to Scripps Mercy Hospital and is expected to recover.
Police told San Diego 6 that the same man robbed another store inside Fashion Valley Mall earlier this week and then got into a scuffle with an undercover officer.
"The officer that was pushed and shoved during his getaway was the officer that spotted him and said, 'Hey, that's the guy that pushed and shoved me,'" said Hara.
Once the man recovers, he will be arrested on suspicion of robbery and evading arrest, among other charges, according to police.
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