Johnson County Sheriff’s Department identifies missing UI student

In a press release on Nov. 15, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department announced that University of Iowa student David Le, 19, of Sioux City is a missing person.

Sheriffs drag the Iowa River in boats near the English and Philosophy Building on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019. (Jenna Galligan/The Daily Iowan)

Katie Ann McCarver, News Editor

In a press release from Detective Sgt. Brad Kunkel, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office announced on Nov. 15 that University of Iowa student David Le, 19, of Sioux City, Iowa, is currently considered a missing person.

A search for Le began midmorning on Nov. 14 when the UI Police Department requested assistance from Johnson County in locating a student who may have jumped into the Iowa River, according to the press release.

As previously reported by The Daily Iowan, the UI police found evidence Nov. 14 which UI Assistant Director of Media Relations Hayley Bruce said “strongly suggests” that someone jumped into the river earlier that morning.

Personal property belonging to Le was found on a nearby bridge, and he was reported absent from class, the release reads. Since the time the Sheriff’s Office received its initial report, the release said multiple agencies have been searching the Iowa River near the Iowa Avenue bridge.

RELATED: Law enforcement searching river near Iowa Avenue bridge under suspicion of jumper

The release stated that search efforts have been suspended, but included dragging, divers, and cadaver dogs when active. Among ten agencies that assisted the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office were the county dive team, the Salvation Army, local fire departments, and more.

Le is still a missing person, the release said.