A Clearfield County parolee is back behind bars today after he jumped into the Susquehanna River to avoid being arrested. He’s 33 year old Ernest Ricketts Jr., of Curwensville. Authorities say they found him on December 20th while walking along a street in Clearfield. Ricketts was wanted on an active warrant thru state parole. When approached, he fled on foot, tossing a backpack he was wearing, and jumped into the river. The backpack reportedly contained illegal drugs. He was eventually apprehended in a wooded area in Lawrence Township. Ricketts has been charged with evading arrest and numerous drug charges. He is currently in the state prison in Clearfield on $50,000 unsecured bail.
