Joliet Man, 20, Who Ran into a Lake While Fleeing Police Officers Dies of Injuries

The 20-year-old man who ran into a lake while fleeing has died, according to the Will County coroner's office.

Andrew M. Banaski, of 3904 Hennepin Drive, , died at in Joliet Saturday, four days after police pulled him unconscious from the lake behind homes in the 3400 block of Lake Shore Drive.

Police were attempting to arrest Banaski shortly after 1:30 p.m. Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia and on a warrant for assault, also a misdemeanor. It's not clear why Banaski would have run from police, although he has done so in the past, Joliet police Cmdr. Al Roechner said.

Police are awaiting the results of an autopsy, but it's speculated that Banaski may have gotten caught in the lake weeds and started to drown. One of the pursuing officers swam out to rescue him and CPR was performed when they got Banaski to shore, Roechner said.

There is no truth to rumors that police used a Taser while pursuing Banaski into the water. Roechner said the officer who rescued him had to remove all of his equipment before going in to save him.

According to Banaski's obituary, published online by the in Plainfield, he was born in Evergreen Park and formerly lived in Romeoville.

His visitation is Wednesday at the funeral home and his funeral will be Saturday in Caney, Ky.