The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a truck that was being reported stolen from the Clarkesville area overnight was almost simultaneously discovered submerged in Lake Russell early Tuesday.
An employee of Lake Russell passed by the boat ramp at about 6:30 a.m. and saw the vehicle’s lights in the water and no signs of anyone outside it.
Because the 9-1-1 caller reported the truck was still running and could not confirm anyone outside it, the incident was dispatched as a water rescue, a news release from the sheriff’s office states.
Habersham County Emergency Services responded to the scene along with units from the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.
The Mt. Airy Police Department and Cornelia Fire Department also responded to assist.
When units arrived, they discovered the vehicle was a Toyota pickup truck that had just been reported stolen from the Clarkesville area.
“HCES personnel conducted a search of the water around the truck but did not locate a victim or signs that a victim was in the water. Additionally, towing company personnel who had to dive underwater to secure the truck for removal also did not see any signs of a victim in the water,” says sheriff’s office spokesperson Rob Moore.
The case remains under investigation, and at this time, there are no suspects.
Anyone with information on the case can call the Sheriff’s Office Tipline at (706) 839-0525.
The sheriff’s office reminds residents to always keep their vehicles locked and keys secured.
