(Vernon, IN) – A woman was rescued from the Muscatatuck River at Muscatatuck County Park on New Year’s Eve after deputies and multiple emergency agencies responded to a report of a mental health crisis near the Vinegar Mill area.
Jennings County deputies were dispatched at approximately 11:30 a.m. after receiving a call about a woman in distress in the park. When deputies arrived, they were unable to immediately locate her but did find her vehicle, prompting a coordinated search involving law enforcement, firefighters and EMS personnel.
Emergency crews eventually located the woman about 300 yards from Vinegar Mill, where she had fallen into the river. Deputy John Hartman was able to reach her location, allowing firefighters to lower a rope and pull her to safety.
The woman was transported by Rescue 20 to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Officials credited the successful rescue to coordinated teamwork among multiple agencies, including the North Vernon Fire Department, Vernon Fire Department, Vernon Water Rescue, Rescue 20, Jennings County Central Dispatch, and additional responders who assisted at the scene.
Authorities said they were grateful for the positive outcome and the collaborative effort that brought the incident to a safe conclusion.
