Law enforcement agencies search for person who fled into Great Miami River in Hamilton

Incident started as traffic accident Saturday night.
Law enforcement agencies and volunteers search the Great Miami River Tuesday, May 9, 2022 for a person who fled into the river. Butler County Sheriff's Office crews are searching by boat and a group from North Star Seach and Rescue has canines out searching along the river banks. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

Law enforcement agencies and volunteers search the Great Miami River Tuesday, May 9, 2022 for a person who fled into the river. Butler County Sheriff's Office crews are searching by boat and a group from North Star Seach and Rescue has canines out searching along the river banks. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Butler County Emergency Response Services and other search teams have spent multiple days looking for a person who fled into the Great Miami River in Hamilton.

Hamilton Police Sgt. Brian Ungerbuehler said it is a recovery operation after a multiple-day search began May 6 when Hamilton police responded to a traffic accident in the area of North Third and Black streets. A male driver crashed into the Black Street bridge and fled, ran from the location near U.S. 127 under the bridge and into the river, Ungerbuehler told the Journal-News.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office has assisted in the search, which involves rescue boats. Weather has caused some disruptions to searching the river.

Search dogs have also been working during recovery efforts.

The man is described as older and possibly wearing a gray shirt, but the description is vague because police do not know who exactly was driving the car. Witnesses reported the man jumped off the bridge.

The search, which continued Tuesday afternoon, has gone from the Black Street bridge to the Columbia bridge.

Law enforcement agencies and volunteers search the Great Miami River Tuesday, May 9, 2022 for a person who fled into the river. Butler County Sheriff's Office crews are searching by boat and a group from North Star Seach and Rescue has canines out searching along the river banks. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

icon to expand image

Credit: Nick Graham

Law enforcement agencies and volunteers search the Great Miami River Tuesday, May 9, 2022 for a person who fled into the river. Butler County Sheriff's Office crews are searching by boat and a group from North Star Seach and Rescue has canines out searching along the river banks. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

icon to expand image

Credit: Nick Graham

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