SUV intentionally submerged in icy Yakima River
A Jeep SUV remains submerged in the Yakima River just downriver of the Van Giesen Street bridge near West Richland.
Divers with Columbia Basin Dive Rescue found no one in the Jeep but evidence inside showed that the SUV was intentionally pushed Thursday into the river.
West Richland and Richland police officials say it will be several weeks before it can be safely removed because of the cold temperatures and swift water conditions. Dive rescue officials say it could take up to 8 hours to remove.
A West Richland officer found tire tracks leading into the river near Hyde Park and followed footprints leading from the tracks along the bank toward Van Giesen Street to where the Jeep was found.
A person of interest whose shoe prints were similar to those found at Hyde Park was contacted by officers in the immediate area of the incident, police posted on Facebook.
