US man completes impromptu 'triathlon' in desperate bid to flee officers on foot on stolen bicycle and in a swim across a bay

Despite his exertions police still needed rubber bullets and a Taser before they were finally able to arrest Brion Adam Kriss in the water

Brion Adam Kriss attempted to escape officers from three different police forces

A US man completed a remarkable impromptu 'triathlon' in a desperate bid to flee police who pursued him across two states.

Brion Adam Kriss attempted to escape officers from three different police forces, including a dog unit and a helicopter, by driving frantically prompting a high-speed police chase, stealing a bike and then swimming across a lake after diving into a bay behind a shopping mall.

Despite his exertions police still needed rubber bullets and a Taser before they were finally able to arrest him in the water.

The vehicle chase began at around 10.30am local time in Fenwick Island, Delaware.

Police were initially called to reports of a hit and run in parking lot. During a confrontation with police Kriss allegedly flashed a large knife at officers before taking off in his car at high speed.

He then crossed the state line into Ocean City, Maryland, where he reportedly lost control of the vehicle when he attempted to turn off the Coastal Highway before rejoining it and hitting two cars. Kriss crashed into a telegraph pole injuring a bystander.

The determined criminal then also fled the scene of that incident before stealing a bicycle and pedalling to the nearby Gold Coast Shopping Mall with two Delaware officers continuing their desperate chase.

Police reinforcements were brought in, including a K9 dog unit and a Maryland State Police helicopter.

Despite police efforts the pursuit was not over.

Kriss then dived into a bay at the back of the shopping mall where he was finally apprehended on a small sandbar - but only after a number of officers were assaulted.

Kriss was taken to Atlantic General Hospital for treatment to injuries sustained during his capture.