UPDATE: Death Investigation Underway in Ohio County

Police believe the driver intentionally drove into the Ohio River after allegedly fleeing the scene of an accident.

Photo by Indiana State Police.

Update published Tuesday, April 25 at 3:58 p.m.:

According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, the driver was identified as Larry D. Robison, age 54, Rising Sun.

No further information was provided. 

Original story published Sunday, April 23 at 2:36 p.m.:

(Rising Sun, Ind.) - On Friday, investigators with Indiana State Police-Versailles Post began conducting a death investigation along the Ohio River in Rising Sun. 

The initial investigation showed that Ohio County deputies and Rising Sun Police were looking for a gold-colored Jeep Liberty that had allegedly left the scene of a crash in rural Ohio County. The vehicle was located approaching Rising Sun and fled from law enforcement as they attempted to stop the Jeep. 

The vehicle drove approximately one mile to an Ohio River boat ramp near Front Street and 2nd Street and entered the water. Investigators believe the driver intentionally drove into the river. 

Officers immediately entered the water in attempt to free the driver, who was the lone occupant of the vehicle. 

According to a news release, the investigation indicated that the officers made it to the vehicle and contacted the adult male in the vehicle. It is believed that the driver remained uncooperative and refused to exit the vehicle. Officers were unable to make entry into the vehicle before it became submerged.

Indiana Conservation Divers were called to the scene and located the driver deceased inside of the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Ohio County Coroner’s Office. Investigators will work with the coroner’s office to determine a cause and manner of death.

The identity of the deceased individual is not being released at this time.

The investigation is ongoing and toxicology results are pending.