Dive units search water after stolen Jeep found in pond

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Police say officers and firefighters searched the water with dive teams after a Jeep was found submerged in a Wilmington pond overnight.

Investigators say the vehicle was discovered in the pond near Holly Tree Elementary School just after 3:30 a.m. When they got to the scene on Holly Tree Road near Web Trace, police say the submerged Jeep Cherokee’s lights were still on, but no one was inside.

Police say when they ran the SUV’s tags and sent an officer to the listed owner’s address, the man told them he did not give anyone permission to use the vehicle. Officers say they believe the Jeep was stolen, but say their search with fire crews determined no one was in the water.