Travis Morgan, 41, jumped into the Merrimack River while fleeing from Nashua Police on July 17. Courtesy photo/Nashua Police Department

NASHUA – In a desperate attempt to escape from Nashua Police, Travis Morgan, 41, jumped into the Merrimack River on July 17 with the intention of swimming to the opposite bank in Hudson — approximately 600 feet away.

According to police, officers responded to the homeless encampments at the end of Lock Street after being notified that Morgan had cut open a tent with a machete and used the weapon to threaten the occupant. The victim, whose identity has not been released, said they knew Morgan.

Morgan allegedly ignored the officers and fled the scene when they attempted to make contact with him. According to police, he ran into the woods between the power lines and railroad tracks before jumping into the river.

With assistance from state troopers and the Hudson Police, Morgan was placed under arrest a short time later.

Morgan has been charged with criminal threatening with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief and resisting detention.

He was held on a $500 cash bail and was scheduled to be arraigned on July 18 in the Ninth Circuit Nashua District Division Court.

Under state law, if convicted, Morgan faces up to nine years in prison, up to five years probation and up to $8,000 in fines.