The mystery surrounding a vehicle in the river off John Redd Landing had some resolution Monday night, but the investigation continues.
A Ford F-150 was pulled from the water around 7 p.m. Fortunately, no one was inside the vehicle, but the tag came back as stolen from the Alliance Community of Jackson County last Wednesday.
According to Calhoun County Sheriff Glenn Kimbrel, the case began Thursday when someone at the landing noticed tire tracks indicating a vehicle drove straight off the bluff.
Authorities feared someone could be inside the vehicle. Calhoun Search and Rescue volunteers worked Thursday. They were joined by divers from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Friday and Saturday, along with Florida Fish and Wildlife Officers. The current was too swift and the vehicle - visible on sonar - was sunk about 30 feet.
Swift water divers from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office joined the search Monday. By mid-afternoon, they had made contact with the truck, but the murky water prevented them from determining if anyone was inside.
Everyone from law enforcement to county employees, road department workers, Division of Forestry crews and volunteers came out to assist Monday night. After hours of struggling, the vehicle was finally pulled from the water. It had an enormous log jammed beneath it.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating to find out who stole the truck. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.
