River rescue: Janesville police pull suspect from icy waters



JANESVILLE (WITI) -- A 52-year-old Janesville man is lucky to be alive. This, after he jumped into the Rock River in Janesville on Tuesday evening, May 13th. The entire rescue was caught on video (in two parts).

The suspect, identified as Bradley Bobzien, was pulled over by a police officer just after 6 p.m. But Bobzien fled on foot from the traffic stop location. About a minute later, Bobzien ran toward the Rock River and intentionally jumped in to avoid apprehension on an outstanding warrant.

Several officers from the Janesville Police Department responded and deployed water rescue tools in an attempt to recover Bobzien. He floated south in the river and under the Milwaukee Street Bridge where it was apparent that he was in distress. Officers finally convinced Bobzien to hold the rescue rope until Janesville Fire and Paramedic staff could complete the rescue.

Once pulled from the river, Bobzien was taken to a hospital for treatment related to his time in the water. He's being held at the Rock County Jail on an outstanding warrant. Bobzien is also facing charges of resisting an officer and operating after revocation.