PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Police arrested a man who tried to evade capture by jumping into the Providence River last week.

Silas Dobson, 38, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and obstructing an officer.

Dobson was first spotted Friday evening by two officers patrolling Waterplace Park, which is a known spot in the capital city for “high drug use,” according to a police report obtained by 12 News.

Police said the officers saw Dobson and a woman “manipulating clear glass crack pipes and open needles” while sitting on a bench in the park.

Dobson and the woman quickly tried to toss the pipes and needles upon noticing the approaching officers, police noted.

The officers tried searching Dobson, according to police, but he refused to cooperate and eventually took off running after a balled-up dollar bill containing suspected cocaine was pulled from his sock.

Police said one of the officers chased after Dobson while the other stayed with the woman and radioed for help.

The officer chasing Dobson was able to pepper spray him, according to police, but it didn’t stop him from hopping the railing and jumping into the Providence River.

Police said the officer was injured trying to prevent Dobson from hopping the railing and was transported to The Miriam Hospital for treatment.

The woman who was with Dobson spoke with the officer and was allowed to leave without being charged.

Officers searched the river for Dobson via boat for nearly a half hour but were unsuccessful. Police said it wasn’t until the search was called off that another officer spotted Dobson hopping down from where he was hiding in one of the tunnels.

Dobson was taken into custody after the officer convinced him to get out of the water, according to police.

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