A search for a possible missing person or persons was suspended Saturday night after rescue crews found no occupants inside a vehicle pulled from floodwaters in southern Sumner County.
The incident was first reported by Sumner Newscow.
According to Sumner County Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Westmoreland, rescue crews responded around 3:30 p.m. Saturday to the 600 block of South Oliver Road (Dalton), where a black sedan apparently drove into floodwaters at a crossing over Slate Creek.
Authorities said the vehicle was traveling southbound when it entered fast-moving water, left the roadway and was carried into a west ditch before coming to rest upside down near a bridge. When first responders arrived, only the vehicle’s left rear tire was visible above the water.
Strickland’s Road Service removed the vehicle from the floodwaters, but no one was found inside. Rescue crews then began searching the area for anyone who may have been in the vehicle.
After nearly four hours, the search was suspended for the night because of dangerous conditions. Crews plan to resume searching at approximately 8 a.m. Sunday. Drones were used during Saturday’s search.
“The water is very high and has a strong current,” Westmoreland told Sumner Newscow. “Hopefully, as the water recedes, we will have more of a clue to locating someone.”
Westmoreland said the vehicle carried out-of-state license plates. Investigators also learned the car had been traveling behind another out-of-state vehicle, though the two drivers were not connected. Continue below ad.
The lead vehicle also encountered the flooded roadway, hydroplaned into the east ditch and came to rest in shallower water. That driver was able to escape without injury.
Authorities said both drivers had driven around barricades closing Oliver Road because of flooding.
Westmoreland urged motorists not to ignore road closures.
“I can’t emphasize this enough: do not run water barricades,” he said. “This is for your own safety. Turn around and find an alternative route.”
The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office said citations are being issued to motorists who bypass flood barricades.
Oliver Road, along with portions of 50th and 70th Avenue between U.S. 160 and U.S. 166, remains closed because of high water.
