Escaped inmate fished out of Arkansas River

(TULSA, Okla.) On Thursday, Tulsa Police IMPACT Officers responded to 1300 S. Carson Avenue in reference to a possible burglary in progress. The home owner was out of state, but could see a white male wearing a gray shirt, tan shorts, and carrying a black and red backpack snooping around in the backyard and around the residence. The homeowner was able communicate with the suspect through the security system and told the suspect to leave the property. The suspect fled the property. Officers were able to obtain a short video clip from the homeowner electronically. Officers located the suspect at 1700 Riverside Drive and the suspect immediately ran through the woods and he jumped into the Arkansas River. Before the suspect could swim to the other side, additional officers arrived on the south bank of the river. The suspect continued to attempt escape and began swimming downstream. Tulsa Fire Department's Water Rescue Unit arrived deployed boats into the river to assist with apprehension and evidence recovery. The suspect continued his efforts to escape, but was eventually caught by officers with the help of TFD water rescue unit. The backpacks the suspect had thrown in the river during his escape attempt were recovered by water rescue. The suspect refused to identify himself. Items in the backpacks were identified as loot in one burglary from vehicle that occurred near 100 N. Olympia Avenue earlier in the day. Additional items recovered are suspected stolen items, but the victim has not been located yet. Officers were able to identify the suspect, Christopher Coffey, 30, by his tattoos. Coffey escaped from Jackie Brannon prison in Mcalester in April. Coffey was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries and will be booked into Tulsa County Jail for 3rd Degree Burglary, Knowingly Concealing Stolen Property, Resisting arrest, and the outstanding warrant for his escape from prison. Coffey will be held without bond until he is extradited back to DOC custody. Officers and Firefighters worked very well together on a very unusual apprehension. The assistance from TFD was also instrumental in recovering the backpacks containing the stolen property from the river.