NEW LONDON — A man was arrested Thursday afternoon following a dramatic chase that ended in the Thames River, the New London Police Department reported.
The incident began around 1:11 p.m. when a woman called 911 from Riverside Park to report an assault by a man later identified as Richard Kaczmarczyk, 59, with no certain address in New London.
Upon police arrival, Kaczmarczyk fled the scene.
Officers, aided by police K9 Zeke, pursued the suspect on foot toward the train tracks, prompting a temporary halt to Amtrak train operations.
Kaczmarczyk then entered the Thames River, swimming to a construction barge in an attempt to evade capture.
After over an hour clinging to a mooring line, Kaczmarczyk was surrounded by marine units from Waterford PD, Groton Town PD, Groton City PD, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
He eventually surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.
Kaczmarczyk faces multiple charges, including interfering with police, third-degree assault, and second-degree breach of peace, in connection with the incident.
He was also wanted on eight active arrest warrants, including failure to appear, probation violation, and a protective order violation, which was not related to the assault.
His total bonds amounted to $150,000.
Both Kaczmarczyk and the female victim were transported to L+M Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The New London Police Department is actively investigating the incident and encourages witnesses or those with information to contact them at 860-447-5269, ext. 0, or to submit anonymous tips through the New London Tips 411 system.
