(Photo credit: Source: Rankin Co. Sheriff’s Office)
On Thursday, October 24, authorities recovered a black 2008 Ford Mustang from the Ross Barnett Reservoir, resolving a case dating back to 2009 when the vehicle was reported stolen. The Reservoir Police Department made the discovery around 1:00 p.m. near Lake Harbor Road, prompting a response from the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
The Mustang was found submerged approximately 15 feet below the surface and roughly 50 yards from the road, close to a boat ramp managed by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District. Divers from the Reservoir Fire Department were summoned to assist in the recovery, using specialized underwater equipment to safely bring the vehicle to the surface.
Authorities soon confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen to the Richland Police Department over a decade ago. Following its recovery, the Mustang was transported to a secure location as evidence.
The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department is now working in collaboration with both the Reservoir Police Department and the Richland Police Department as they continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the stolen vehicle.