Danville Police Chief Christopher Yates says the search for a 12 year old boy who has been missing since swimming in the Vermilion River Monday night (July 15th) continues, with numerous challenges in a very active river. He spoke with Central Illinois Media Group on Thursday.
AUDIO: This afternoon I was out on the river with the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office. And they were just showing me some of the challenges that they’re encountering. They’re continuing with their search, also being assisted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It’s been a collective effort among all three agencies, as well as many members in the community.
A release put out by the police department Thursday asked community members to please stay out of the river in the search area due to the remaining strong current and additional risks of the under-surface holes, drop-offs, trees, jagged rocks and debris jams. However, observation from safe banks along the river is acceptable if proper caution is used.
Police were first contacted around 8:11 PM Monday evening, shortly after the 12 year old was pulled under water by the river current.
