An older model Dodge Omni was pulled from Big Swan Lake Sunday and authorities want to know how it got there.
The Carver County Recovery Dive Team assisted the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office in raising the submerged vehicle Sunday morning. It was unoccupied.
Two divers discovered the vehicle in Big Swan Lake a couple of weeks ago. It was located in about 18 feet of water, a half mile from the public access entrance.
Due to the location, authorities believe the vehicle may have fallen through winter ice.
“We feel it’s been in the water for quite some time,” Sheriff Mike Hirman said.
Meeker County Sheriff’s Office was notified June 1 about the submerged vehicle. Due to the depth of the water, the office contacted the Carver County team for assistance in raising the vehicle. The team attached float equipment to raise the vehicle to the surface before towing it to land.
It was taken to the Meeker County Impound Lot.
The Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate the vehicle owner. But because the license plate number was last registered in 2000, the state of Minnesota no longer has the number on file, according to Hirman.
Hirman said his office hopes to use the vehicle’s serial number to locate the owner.
While in the water, the vehicle did leak some contaminants, including gasoline, Hirman said. He said the Sheriff’s Office will likely forward the case to the County Attorney for review of charges.
Assisting in the vehicle recovery effort were Meeker County Boat and Water deputies, Dassel Fire Department and the Litchfield Rescue/Fire/Dive Team. Gold Cross Ambulance also stood by.