Rescue crews call off search for vehicle in Yakima River

UNION GAP, Wash. - Authorities have called off a search for a vehicle believed to have gone into the Yakima River late this afternoon.

Fire and rescue crews from the Yakima County Sheriff's Office, Yakima County Fire District 5, and the Yakima and Union Gap Fire departments had responded after two people reported seeing a vehicle in the river. A sheriff's office boat was used to search the river where the vehicle was sighted, below the Interstate-82 bridge just east of Exit 38 to Union Gap.

Capt. Dave Martin of Fire District 5 said the witnesses' description of a "blue minivan or box-type vehicle" was similar to a vehicle that was reported stolen out of Yakima. The area that was searched is near a boat ramp and is a spot where stolen vehicles are often dumped in the river, Martin said.

Officials decided against continuing the search or using a dive team because the conditions were too risky in the high, fast-flowing water.