CIRCLEVILLE, OH — July 14, 2025 — A man who attempted to evade law enforcement by diving into the icy Scioto River earlier this year has been sentenced to prison. Eric Lee was found guilty this week of Failure to Comply with the Order or Signal of a Police Officer and was sentenced to 18 months behind bars for his actions.
The charges stem from a dramatic incident on March 20, 2025, when Lee, who was on probation at the time, fled from the Pickaway County Probation Department near U.S. 23 and Connector Road. Lee sprinted westbound through a wooded area before plunging into the frigid river in an attempt to avoid capture.
Law enforcement and rescue crews quickly responded, launching a two-hour search-and-rescue effort that involved life boats and multiple agencies. Around 6 p.m., officers located Lee stranded and calling for help on a small island in the middle of the river. He was pulled to safety, taken to Berger Hospital for evaluation, and later booked into the Pickaway County Jail.
Lee’s dramatic escape attempt made headlines and led to new charges. With this week’s conviction and sentencing, he will now serve 18 months in prison.
