Man drives into Swan River during police stand-off on Claremont Jetty

A 32-year old man has been charged after he drove his car off a jetty during a dramatic police stand-off near Perth.

A 32-year old man who drove a red Jeep Wrangler off a jetty into the Swan River during a dramatic police stand-off near Perth has been charged.

Police allege the incident began when the man, armed with a tyre iron, approached a woman inside a vehicle on Walter St in Claremont and stole an item from her.

Police claim he then drove the Jeep Wrangler towards a police car and collided with it, causing significant damage.

Police tried to negotiate with the man for about an hour before he drove his car into the Swan River. Picture: Michael Wilson/ The West Australian/ NewsWire

“No one was injured as a result of the incidents,” a police spokesman said.

A witness told 6PR they saw the red Jeep driving erratically down the Stirling Highway where it mounted a kerb before making its way towards the river.

The incident escalated when the man drove the Jeep onto the Claremont Jetty about 10am on Tuesday.

A witness reported seeing the red Jeep drive erratically down the Stirling Highway. Picture: Michael Wilson/ The West Australian/ NewsWire

TRG officers, the air wing and water police were on the scene as police tried to negotiate with the male driver for about an hour before he drove his vehicle into the river.

The man reversed down the jetty and then drove at speed near a police boat before plunging into the river.

The driver climbed out of the car as it was being submerged in water. He was taken into custody and carried to a waiting ambulance.

A man was arrested and taken to a waiting ambulance. Picture: Michael Wilson/ The West Australian/ NewsWire

“The man was uninjured,” a police spokesman said.

St John Ambulance confirmed they took the man to Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital.

The 32-year old has been charged with armed robbery and criminal damage or destruction of property.

Originally published as Man drives into Swan River during police stand-off on Claremont Jetty