Police investigating after stolen vehicle crashes into river, knocks out power in Swansea

SWANSEA — Chief Mark Foley reports that the Swansea Police Department is investigating an incident in which a stolen motor vehicle crashed off Pearse Road into Coles River.

At just after noon on Tuesday, Swansea Police responded to a reported motor vehicle crash in the area of the 800 block of Pearse Road (near the pond and culvert).

Responding officers found a vehicle submerged in Coles River.

An initial investigation indicates the vehicle struck a utility pole before entering the water. Officers determined the suspect exited the vehicle after it entered the water and fled the scene in a waiting vehicle.

The vehicle has since been removed from the water. No injuries were reported at the scene.

The vehicle recovered from the water had been reported stolen from a Swansea residence shortly before the crash. 

Swansea Police deployed its department boat to the crash scene. The Swansea Fire Department also responded to the scene.

Utility crews from National Grid responded to assess pole damage, and the Swansea Highway Department assisted with closing Pearse Road during recovery efforts.

The crash knocked out power in the area.

The incident remains under investigation.