On Aug. 3, Osceola County deputies arrested Anthony Candelario after a multi-unit search following a BOLO for a vehicle linked to him. Candelario fled on foot, entered a pond and swam across attempting to evade capture, but officers were waiting on the far bank. He was taken into custody without incident and faces a new charge of Resisting an Officer Without Violence plus two active felony probation-violation warrants. Online reaction included jokes about alligators and questions about a K9 named Recon.
Wanted Florida Man Swims Across Pond to Evade Deputies — Finds Them Waiting
Image Credit: Osceola County Sheriff's Office
A wanted Florida man who tried to outswim deputies ended up right where they expected him to be.
Osceola County Sheriff's Office officials say deputies were searching for Anthony Candelario on Aug. 3 after a BOLO (be-on-the-lookout) alert identified a vehicle linked to an earlier traffic stop. Candelario reportedly had two active felony warrants for probation violations.
Coordinated Search Leads To Water Escape Attempt
Deputies located the vehicle and saw Candelario exit from the passenger side. Rather than submit to officers, he bolted on foot. That prompted a coordinated response involving STAR Aviation, Motors, Patrol and K9 units.
STAR Aviation tracked Candelario from the air while ground teams swept the area. Authorities say he ran toward a nearby residence and then entered a pond in a bid to evade capture.
Plan Foiled On The Far Bank
Deputies had already positioned officers on the pond's opposite shore, blocking his intended exit point. After swimming across the water, Candelario was taken into custody without further incident.
He was booked on a new charge of Resisting an Officer Without Violence in addition to the two outstanding felony probation-violation warrants, the Sheriff's Office reported.
Public Reaction
The post drew a mix of amusement and concern online. Some commenters joked about Florida's infamous wildlife — especially alligators — as a natural deterrent to water-based escapes. Others focused on questions about a department K9 named Recon, asking why the dog had reportedly ended up in a shelter after years of service and requesting an update from the Sheriff's Office.
The episode underscores how coordinated aviation, patrol and K9 resources can anticipate likely routes of flight and quickly contain a suspect — even when escape plans involve running and swimming.
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