Stolen car found in Blackstone River

November 18, 2015 5:57 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

WOONSOCKET, R.I. – Woonsocket Police are investigating how a car wound up at the bottom of Blackstone River.

A witness saw the car sinking at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday – around half an hour after the vehicle was reported stolen – but he didn’t call police until three hours later, according to Det. Sgt. Matthew Ryan.

At first, police were concerned over whether anyone was inside the car. Once they realized no one was, first responders began the careful, hours-long process of pulling the car from 18 feet below the water. Four rescue departments, two tow trucks and around six divers assisted in the retrieval.

The back bumper of the car was damaged, according to Ryan. Police believe whoever was backing the car into the river stuck a tree along the way. Ryan described the whole situation as “unusual,” saying most stolen cars are taken on joyrides, not dumped at the river.

There wasn’t much evidence in the car, so police are asking anyone with information to come forward. “If we can follow up any lead, we will,” added Ryan.

Police wouldn’t release the name of the car’s owner, but said that person is a Woonsocket resident.