Two Rescued and One Arrested From The Middle Of The Molalla River

Both men were in jeopardy, they were retrieved from a "self-imposed precarious position in the middle of the river", a spokesman said.

27-year old Vitaly K. Chernov was arrested and cited for Reckless Driving after driving his Jeep into the Molalla River, police there say. Photo: Clackamas Sheriff

(MOLALLA, Ore.) - Two men were rescued from the top of a submerged automobile in the Molalla River today at Wagon Wheel Park, and the driver was arrested at the scene after being rescued and charged with Reckless Driving. The two were reportedly were in good condition after being rescued and did not require medical attention.

Clackams County Sheriff's Office Spokesman Jim Strovink says the driver of the Jeep was arrested for attempting to cross the river. 27-year old Vitaly K. Chernov of Vancouver, Washington was transported to the Clackamas County Jail and lodged for Reckless Driving. He was cited at the facility and released.

Strovink says Chernov was in operation of his Jeep automobile, while accompanied by a passenger, Oleg Vilkhovey, of Happy Valley, when the vehicle became submerged in the Molalla River.

Strovink said, "It was revealed at the scene that Chernov was attempting to forge the rapidly moving Molalla River, while four-wheeling for recreation. The vehicle stalled and became submerged in the deep and swift moving river."

The Clackamas County Detective says both subjects were in jeopardy and required the assistance of emergency personnel to retrieve them safely from "the self-imposed precarious position encountered in the middle of the river."

When police and other rescuers arrived, the two were perched on top of this vehicle as it sat in the middle of the river. Strovink says rescue workers were able to successfully retrieve the two from the middle of the river and bring them safely to shore at approximately 4:20 PM.