BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team located a drowning victim from Lake Jordan earlier today but investigators are still working to identify the body.
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said deputies were notified around 1 p.m. today that three Hispanic males were fishing on the rocks, when one apparently fell into the water.
“This occurred near Jordan Dam on the Wallsboro side in the area of Rapids Road,” Sheriff Franklin said. “We believe the two other young men fishing with the victim panicked and left the scene in a red Mustang. Witnesses were able to get a snapshot of the vehicle leaving the scene, and through that our investigators located the vehicle in Montgomery in the Capitol Heights area.”
However, Franklin said no one would come to the door at the residence in Montgomery where the vehicle was located.
“We do not believe there is any foul play at this point, but we do not understand why the two men left the scene without trying to render aid, or contact help about their friend,” Franklin said. “It is possible they may be here illegally, and panicked. But we are trying to identify the victim. He did not have any ID on him, so at this time he is listed as a John Doe.”
Even though the snapshot of the vehicle’s tag was partially blurred, investigators were able to match up the vehicle with security footage from a gas station in the area.
“Once deputies found the vehicle, even though no one would come to the door, we had the vehicle towed as this is a death investigation,” Franklin said.
The Sheriff said he is proud of the dive team for their ability to locate the victim so quickly. He is also very appreciative of the witnesses who also came forward.
The victim’s body was found about 300 yards away from where witnesses said he initially fell into the water.
If anyone has information on who this victim may be, they are asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 334-567-5546. Meanwhile, Sheriff Franklin said he will update with any new information, including the victim’s identification when it is available.
