Authorities search river for missing man


The pilot flies the Missouri Highway Patrol helicopter low over the Missouri River just east of the Jefferson City bridges in search of a person who may have jumped from the pedestrian bridge.
The pilot flies the Missouri Highway Patrol helicopter low over the Missouri River just east of the Jefferson City bridges in search of a person who may have jumped from the pedestrian bridge.

Authorities responded around 4:43 p.m. Thursday to a report that a man may have jumped off the Missouri River bridge in Jefferson City.

Police report officers contacted several females on the pedestrian bridge attached to the northbound bridge. In the initial investigation, personal belongings of a 21-year-old Jefferson City resident were located near the center of the pedestrian bridge. Although officers contacted family and friends of the man, they could not locate his whereabouts.

Rescue crews searched via water and air patrol, and rescue operations were set up at Noren Access on the north side of the river.

Among the search party were members of Jefferson City fire and police departments, and the Missouri Highway Patrol. The search on the water wound down after dark.

"We (firefighters) left the scene at 6 p.m. because it was entirely too dangerous to continue after dark with the cold weather and debris on the river," said Jason Turner, Jefferson City interim fire chief.

Police are continuing the investigation by following up on information from relatives of the missing man.

Originally reported at 4:59 p.m., last updated at 9:20 p.m.

Followup coverage:

Search continues for suspected bridge jumper