(Rising Sun, IN) – Indiana State Police continue to investigate a death along the Ohio River in Rising Sun Friday afternoon.
The initial investigation indicated that Ohio County Sheriff’s deputies and City of Rising Sun police officers began looking for a gold-colored Jeep Liberty that allegedly left the scene of a crash in rural Ohio County.
Officers soon located the vehicle as it approached Rising Sun.
ISP says the vehicle fled from the officers as they attempted to stop it.
The vehicle drove approximately one mile to an Ohio River boat ramp near Front Street and 2nd Streets in Rising Sun where investigators believe the driver intentionally drove into the river.
Officers immediately entered the water in an attempt to free the driver, who was the lone occupant of the vehicle.
The investigation indicates the officers made it to the vehicle and contacted the adult male inside.
It is believed that the driver remained uncooperative and refused to exit the vehicle.
Officers were unable to make entry into the vehicle before it became submerged.
Divers were called to the scene and eventually found the vehicle with the driver still inside.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ohio County Coroner’s Office.
Investigators will work with the coroner’s office to determine a cause and manner of death.
The man’s identity is not being released at this time.
Toxicology results are pending.
Indiana State Police Detectives have been assisted by the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, the Rising Sun Police Department, Indiana Conservation Officer Divers, Dearborn County Water Rescue, Lawrenceburg and Rising Sun EMS, several Ohio County fire departments, the Ohio and Dearborn County Coroner’s offices, and Dis-Bec Towing.
