Kidnapping Suspect Tried to Swim Away from Police

It’s the time of year to get in the water and cool off. But at least one Cumming suspect is cooling off in jail, instead, after an alleged attempt to flee officers by swimming away in Lake Lanier didn’t work out.

According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Kip Smith, 20, of Cumming, is charged with Kidnapping of an Adult, False Imprisonment, Simple Assault, Criminal Damage to Property - 1st degree, Theft by Taking, Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers and Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, along with traffic offenses.

Deputies responding to a dispute between Smith and his girlfriend found that he had fled the scene with his girlfriend in his car and refused to let her out, according to an FCSO release.

A chase ensued, with deputies finally blocking the vehicle’s route. Smith then reportedly jumped through the passenger window and fled on foot before jumping into Lake Lanier and swimming down Young Deer Creek.

Patrol deputies surrounded the area and maintained a visual on Smith from shorelines on both sides of the creek and Smith eventually surrendered, according to deputies.

Smith is also charged with Driving While License is Suspended, Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign, Passing in a No Passing Zone, Failure to Signal Lane Change, No Seat-belt, Failure to Maintain Lane, Reckless Driving, Obstructing Traffic, and Improper Passing.