Law enforcement searching river near Iowa Avenue bridge under suspicion of jumper
In a press release on Thursday, the Johnson County Sheriff’s office and University of Iowa Police Department have reason to believe that an individual may have jumped off the Iowa Avenue bridge into the river.
Sheriffs drag the Iowa River in boats near the English and Philosophy Building on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019. (Jenna Galligan/The Daily Iowan)
November 14, 2019
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a dragging operation on the Iowa River near the Iowa Avenue bridge, according to a Thursday afternoon press release from Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek.
University of Iowa police asked the Sheriff’s Office for assistance, as they have reason to believe that a person may have jumped off of the bridge. Westbound traffic on the bridge has been reduced to one lane until further notice, according to a release from the City of Iowa City.
According to a statement from UI Assistant Director of Media Relations Hayley Bruce, UI police found evidence which “strongly suggests” that someone jumped into the river earlier this morning.
Agencies that are currently on the scene involve the Johnson County Metro Dive Team, Iowa City Fire, and the Johnson County EMA.
At this time, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department is not disclosing any further information.