Police locate vehicle that plunged into Spokane River; no one believed to be inside

Spokane police said they don’t think anyone is inside a car that plunged into the Spokane River on Saturday near Mission Park.

Police said the car entered the river near South Riverton Avenue and Sinto Avenue, where Sinto dead-ends, at around 8:30 a.m., according to a news release. Officers said the car was traveling westbound on Sinto and broke through the guard rail. Parts of the car were broken off and still laying at the scene.

Due to the elevated level of water on the river, police said they were unable to locate the vehicle for several hours. The Spokane Fire Department was also unable to utilize a drone that can search up and down the river, due to heavy winds.

Officers continued their investigation and determined there were no missing persons reports, and nobody had reported a vehicle matching the description of car parts left behind as missing.

Hours later, an officer spotted a vehicle close to the location submerged in the water, but a heavy current kept fire department and sheriff’s office rescue experts from searching the car.

Officers said Sunday experts will continue to monitor conditions and determine when and if it is safe to enter.