Man drowns in pond after allegedly stealing car, leading police on chase

A man drowned after a police chase in Surf City.

The man has been identified as 43-year-old Jonathan Charles J’Anthony III, of Sneads Ferry.

On Saturday a stolen vehicle was identified by the Surf City Police Department.

Officers confirmed the vehicle as stolen and located it in the area of 2700 N.C. Highway 210 in Surf City.

When officers encountered the vehicle, J’Anthony got out and officers attempted to subdue him.

While attempting to subdue him, an officer was assaulted. A foot chase ensued and J’Anthony began heading toward an adjacent property and retention pond.

When officers attempted to take him into custody, he went further into the pond and began to struggle.

Officers attempted to rescue J’Anthony, but he ultimately drowned.

The Pender EMS and Fire Special Operations dive team was dispatched to the scene, and the body was recovered from the retention pond.

The Surf City Police Department has been in contact with the District Attorney, Ben David, and the State Bureau of Investigation has been contacted to lead the investigation of the incident.