HALIFAX, N.C. (WNCN) — A North Carolina man wanted on charges of stealing from Walmart jumped into a lake to avoid arrest -- only to quickly "scream for help," saying he was unable to swim, deputies said.

The incident -- and "rescue" -- happened Thursday when deputies showed up in the Myrick Estates area, about 4 miles northeast of Littleton off N.C. 158, according to a Halifax County Sheriff's Office news release.

As a deputy approached a house containing the suspect, Edward Estes, 32, took off and jumped into Lake Gaston, the news release said.

Deputies said, "Estes began swimming away, then began to scream for help, saying he can’t swim."

Soon, another deputy arrived at the scene, took off his gear, and jumped into the lake to rescue Estes.

"Once the deputy jumped in the water, a m

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