A vehicle was reported stolen out of Salem, Oregon, and authorities began investigating. Little did they know that the car, a gray sedan, was shortly after found in a local river, submerged, waiting for someone to recover it. That is easier said than done, and, for the time being, no one knows how the car even got there.
As reported by KPTV, the sudden and shocking discovery occurred on Saturday, June 13. Witnesses around the area came across the vehicle while it lay submerged in the Willamette River.
Near the Minto-Brown Island Park in Salem, various bystanders came and checked out the unusual sight. One of them was neighbor Che Guerber-Santana, who was very surprised himself.
Che immediately called the authorities. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to the scene shortly after, with deputies also finding themselves distraught by the river car.
Impromptu Landmark
Authorities, very well aware of the situation, assessed the scene. However, very little was done, as the vehicle, as of Tuesday, June 16, was still in the water.
Reportedly, the vehicle’s owner, who remains unnamed, and their insurance company are currently trying to work things out. The MCSO detailed to KPTV that they hope that the vehicle will be recovered from the river sometime before the week ends.
While some find the situation peculiar, others are not too happy to have a car “parked” in the middle of the river. Some neighbors just want it gone for good.
Neighbor React
One of the neighbors who is not fond of the situation is Kerrie Waterman. More than an inconvenience, the woman is just worried about what such an incident might imply, theorizing that someone could have been hurt.
“It’s really scary still. It makes me think that someone is still in there and they need help,” she said. She later explained how she wishes for the car to be recovered so her mind won’t focus on it or “someone getting hurt.”
“I know when that car’s gone, I can rest in peace and finally sleep,” Kerrie added. “That’s what I know.”
A Lighthearted Approach
Others, meanwhile, take this unexpected sight in a much lighter way. One of them is Che, who even joked about the possibility of someone getting rid of the car via a river.
“Not sure if I agree with the approach, but I guess if you have to ditch a car, it’s a good way to ditch a car,” the man said. Still, he agrees with Kerrie by wanting the authorities to deal with the situation promptly.
Many online, upon inspecting the photos, were also fond of quipping and laughing at what appears to be a ridiculous situation. One user commented, “Invasive species permit?” while another one said, “He can’t park there.”