Authorities in Meigs County, Tennessee, are conducting a search for Deputy Robert "R.J." Leonard, who disappeared after making an arrest. The search effort intensified after his patrol vehicle was discovered in the Tennessee River on Thursday. While the body of a female arrestee was recovered from the backseat of the vehicle, Deputy Leonard's whereabouts are still unknown.

The vehicle was pulled from the river in an area at the border of Meigs and Hamilton counties. Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett expressed hope for a rescue, stating, "We won't lose hope that we could still recover him." However, authorities are now working to confirm the identity of the person found in the backseat, believed to be the arrestee.

The incident unfolded when Deputy Leonard responded to a report of a domestic dispute on a bridge late Wednesday evening. He apprehended a woman involved in the altercation and was en route to the county jail when communication with him was lost. Leonard's last known communications were a text to his wife, acknowledging the arrest, and a radio transmission to dispatch around 10 p.m.

Authorities used triangulation to pinpoint the last known location of Leonard's phone, which coincided with the landing near the Tennessee River. The discovery of an overturned vehicle, filled with mud and with the driver-side window down, confirmed it to be the missing deputy's patrol car.

Chief Deputy Brian Malone expressed the community's distress, stating, "It's a hard time for us here... It's something that we don't ever deal with here in Meigs County." Deputy Leonard, who recently graduated from the training academy in December, was known for his dedication and was described as a valuable member of the force.

The investigation into how the vehicle ended up in the river is ongoing, but preliminary findings suggest that Leonard may have missed a turn in the poorly lit, unfamiliar area whilst distracted by texting and radio communication. Multiple agencies will collaborate to determine the circumstances of the incident.

As the search for Deputy Leonard continues, the law enforcement community and local residents are rallying together, hoping for a positive outcome. The Meigs County Sheriff's Office, along with other agencies, remain committed to uncovering the truth behind this distressing event.

Authorities urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.