MULINO, Ore. -- The Jeep driven into the Molalla River by a 27-year-old man Wednesday was towed out Thursday before causing more damage.

The driver and his passenger were rescued from the rooftop of their vehicle Wednesday afternoon after getting stuck half way across the rising river.

Authorities told KGW the price tag for the rescue was about $1,800 but the driver would not incur the cost as it's part of Clackamas County's budget.

Crews arrived at the scene at 3:30 p.m. to find the two men perched on top of the partially submerged Jeep at Wagon Wheel Park near Mulino. Rescuers used an inflatable raft to retrieve the two from the middle of the fast-flowing river and bring them safely to shore about 45 minutes later.

Police arrested the driver, 27-year-old Vitaly K. Chernov for reckless driving. His 20-year-old passenger was unhurt.

Two witnesses told KGW the men drove into the river on purpose while four-wheeling, and that the men invited them to come along but they declined.

The driver and passenger were in good condition, police said.