AWOL Marine Allegedly Chokes Officer, Then Jumps In River To Avoid Capture

LEHIGHTON, Pa. (AP) — Authorities in Lehigh County say a handcuffed man assaulted a police chief, escaped custody and jumped into a river, traveling about a mile before being recaptured.

Lehighton police say the wild chase started Monday while 18-year-old Luke Zetts was being led to a cruiser. He had been arrested on a charge of being AWOL from the Marines Corps.

Authorities say Zetts got behind the chief and choked him while still handcuffed. A struggle ensued, and police say Zetts ran off and jumped into the Lehigh River.

Officers say Zetts floated for about 20 minutes before being re-arrested in his hometown of Weissport.

Zetts is charged with aggravated assault, escape and resisting arrest. He is being held in the Carbon County jail. His lawyer could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

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