Just before 2 am on Monday, Missoula Police officers located an unoccupied vehicle stopped in the southbound lane of the Russell Street Bridge. Based on information available at the time, officers were concerned the vehicle’s owner may have entered the Clark Fork River.
An initial search of the area did not locate anyone. Officers continued efforts to determine the individual’s whereabouts.
Just before 3 am, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Corporal near the Mullan Road area heard a male yelling for help from the river. MCSO immediately deployed a drone and located the 64-year-old vehicle owner clinging to vegetation in the river.
Missoula Police Officers, Missoula Fire Department River Rescue personnel, and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputies quickly coordinated rescue efforts and were able to safely remove the man from the river.
Incidents like this show the importance of strong partnerships and the coordinated efforts of public safety personnel working toward a common goal. We are thankful this situation had a positive outcome.
Source: Missoula Police Department Photo: Pixabay