On Thursday, September 22nd, at 9:18 a.m., the Louisa County Sheriff was contacted by the Washington and Johnson County Sheriff’s Offices regarding a vehicle submerged in the Iowa River south of the Tri-County Bridge. After finding the vehicle was unoccupied, they realized it was in Louisa County. After investigation, a Louisa County Chief Deputy reported the car was identified as being registered to an individual from Cedar Rapids, and the belief is the car was stolen. There’s no word as to how long the car has been missing or when exactly it went in the river, but the current evidence suggests it wasn’t involved in an accident, but was placed in the river.

Further investigation showed the car entered the river in Johnson County, but floated downstream to Louisa County, putting it in their jurisdiction. Friday morning at 8 a.m., the sheriff’s office attempted to retrieve the vehicle, and was aided by the Columbus Junction, Conesville, and Wapello Fire Departments, as well as divers from the Louisa County Sheriff, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and Wapello Fire Department. However, due to lightning and rising river levels, their efforts have been delayed indefinitely. The sheriff’s office advises boaters in the area to use caution. The Cedar Rapids Police Department is currently investigating the incident.