Harrison County Sheriff’s officials have provided more details about an incident near Persia Thursday.
In a news release, sheriff’s officials say on October 1st, 2026, at 11:03 am, the Harrison County Dispatch Center received a call with information that a person may have driven a vehicle into a washed-out area of roadway on 296th Street, just west of city limits of Persia. An unaccounted-for person was reason for this report.
It was discovered that the roadway was damaged near a culvert, causing a large void across the traveled portion of the road. Officials believe that the road damage had taken place sometime early Thursday morning as this area and surrounding areas had received a large amount of rain overnight.
Law enforcement from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office responded to scene and deployed drones and also searched the area via UTV and foot when they visibly observed what was believed to be a vehicle submerged within the waterway, south of the damaged roadway. This waterway is identified as Spring Creek.
A vehicle was removed from waterway and investigation is ongoing at this time.
The Harrison County Sheriff Office is currently being assisted by Harrison County Dispatch Center, Harrison County EMA, Persia Fire & Rescue, Portsmouth Fire & Rescue, Midwest Regional Dive Team, and Dave Lyon Towing.
