Accused rapist jumps off Gold Coast bridge into river to escape police
An accused knife-wielding rapist has jumped off a Gold Coast bridge and into the river below in an attempt to escape police.
It will be alleged the man was spotted in Benowa driving a stolen Hyundai Santa Fe SUV with false NSW plates at high speed about 11am on Monday.
Police said officers chased the vehicle and deployed tyre spikes, with the damaged vehicle coming to a stop on the Ross Street Bridge.
The man allegedly jumped out of the SUV and tried to steal another car on the bridge by threatening the driver with a knife.
When that failed, he jumped into the Nerang River below, but was quickly arrested.
The 29-year-old man from Maudsland at the Gold Coast was charged with attempted robbery, dangerous operation of a vehicle, driving a motor vehicle without a driver licence and obstructing police.
He was due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The accused was also charged with rape and stealing in relation to an incident on May 5 at an Ormeau Hills address.