Being shot has not stopped an alleged stabber from trying his luck and swimming away from police in regional New South Wales.

The 33-year-old’s aquatic escape across the Murrumbidgee River followed his alleged stabbing of a man in Wagga Wagga.

The incident started when the man allegedly stabbed another man, 42, in the neck with scissors in a North Wagga Wagga park.

The younger man was then allegedly shot by a third man involved in the altercation, who fled and has not been located.

Police said they found the shooting victim in the Murrumbidgee River a short distance from the park. But after refusing to exit the river, he swam to an island and climbed a tree.

That kicked off a 12-hour police operation to get him down, eventually ending with his arrest.

He was treated in hospital, where he also faced a bedside court hearing on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The man has been refused bail. His alleged victim has been discharged from hospital.