Video: 2 Children Rescued When Car Plunges Into Pond

PORT RICHEY, FL — The Pasco County Sheriff's Office said they arrested a man after he fled from deputies in a car with a woman and two children inside. The driver lost control of the car and it plunged into a pond, trapping the children inside.

On Thursday, a deputy attempted to stop a car for a window tint violation near the intersection of San Marco and U.S. 19 in Port Richey. The deputy said the car appeared to begin to pull over but then sped up.

Speeding down residential streets, the driver drove into a mobile home park and lost control while attempting to make a turn. The car landed in a pond.

Several residents walking their dogs witnessed the crash and came to the aid of deputies as they rescued the car's occupants. The woman passenger made her way out of the car and began yelling that her two children were inside and could not swim.

When they were pulled from the pond, the children were traumatized and crying but were physically uninjured.

Deputies also pulled the driver from the driver's seat. As they rescued him, they found a baggie floating in the water in front of him containing a substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine.

Jonathan Deloach, 30, of Crystal Springs was charged with child abuse, possession of methamphetamines, driving with a suspended license - habitual offender, fleeing to elude and reckless driving.

Deloach also had three outstanding warrant for dealing drugs, which he stated is the reason he fled, risking the lives of the children.

He remains in the Land O' Lakes Detention Center on $30,750 bail.

A video from several deputies' body cameras as well as a resident's video show the chase and rescue effort. Note: there is a language warning for the video.