[Press Release] : False drowning report leads to search of northwest Columbia lake

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Captain Eric Hartman - (573) 499-7035 

False drowning report leads to search of northwest Columbia lake

COLUMBIA, MO (April 5, 2008) - Columbia firefighters, along with
Columbia police and EMS units, responded at 6:19 p.m. to a water rescue
at 1615 Business Loop 70 West, Cosmo Park Recreation Area. A witness
reported seeing a male subject enter the water from the shore and swim
to the center of the lake, where he reported the subject slipped beneath
the water's surface and did not resurface. 

The estimated water depth was 15 feet. Initial arriving units from
Columbia Fire Station Two on West Worley Street initiated rescue efforts
using a Zodiac-type boat. After searching the cold water for
approximately one hour, operations shifted to a recovery operation and
the victim was presumed deceased. During the recovery phase,
firefighters used a 6-foot drag towed behind the Zodiac boat in a grid
pattern to assist their efforts.

During the recovery efforts, the Columbia Police Department continued
to interview the juvenile witness. During this process, inconsistencies
developed in statements made by the witness. A family member of the
witness was contacted and responded to the scene; the family member
assisted officers during further interviewing of the witness and
notified investigators that the juvenile has a diminished mental
capacity. Further investigation led the Columbia Police Department and
the Columbia Fire Department to determine the report was not credible
and the search was suspended.

Five Columbia Fire Department apparatus and 14 personnel participated
in the rescue and recovery response. 

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