Family member locates missing woman's car in Alameda Creek
FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) -- Law enforcement officials are crediting the family of a missing 18-year-old with finding her vehicle in Alameda Creek after she went missing Saturday.
RELATED: Water conditions hamper search for woman in Alameda creek
Out of respect for the family, law enforcement is not naming the victim at this time. They shared she was a college student who aspired to be a social worker. They believe they'll be able to recover her body Tuesday morning with her family close by.
"That determination and that love for her is what helped find that car today," said Sgt. Ray Kelly of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office.
Approximagely 30 family members walked along Niles Canyon Road Monday. One noticed an unusual pattern in the water.
"Actually, one of the family members picked up a rock and threw it at the object in the water, and it sounded like it hit a tire," said Kelly.
A drone overhead confirmed images of the car's tires.
Officials say the car traveled about 100 yards from the point of entry to where it is now.
The 18-year-old was driving from Tracy to see family in Menlo Park Saturday. When she didn't arrive, her family reported her missing.
Shortly after, the Alameda County Sheriff's Office said her car clipped another one before entering the creek.
Her bumper and license plate remained on land. When first responders ran the plate, it came back to the missing woman.
Multiple law enforcement agencies spent the morning searching for the vehicle, but officials won't be able to recover the vehicle until Tuesday morning because of high, fast-moving water.
Overnight water levels are expected to recede. Officials will also turn off water from the Del Valle and Calaveras reservoirs.
"It's not like turning off a faucet," Kelly told ABC7 News. "So the water takes six to eight hours to see a noticeable dissipation."
RELATED: Crews search Alameda Creek for missing driver
Officials say they'll re-close Niles Canyon Road to resume the recovery operation.
