Louisville police say car submerged in water at Shawnee boat ramp was 'ditched' stolen vehicle

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville Metro Police said they believe a vehicle found submerged in the water at the boat ramp in Shawnee Park Tuesday night was a "ditched" vehicle that had been reported stolen.

Police said someone called 911 just before 9 p.m. to report a vehicle "drove off the boat dock into the water," LMPD spokesperson Sgt. Matt Sanders said. The caller reported the headlights were still on in the vehicle, but it was submerged.

First responders were on scene and LMPD's River and Dive Team was already in the water by 9:14 p.m., Sanders said.

WDRB's Christie Battista reported from the scene that divers were pulling the car from the water. A witness also reported seeing someone taken away on a stretcher.

But just after 10 p.m., firefighters said no one was actually in the vehicle and believe it was stolen. Sanders confirmed in a statement around 10:45 p.m. that it "appears at this time someone ditched the car in the water," and that the car had been reported stolen.

WDRB asked LMPD if the person the witness saw taken away on a stretcher was related to the rescue. Police have not yet responded.

Rescue happening at Shawnee Park near the boat ramp. LMPD tells us someone called 911 saying a car drove into the water. Divers are pulling the car out now. A witness told me someone has already been taken away on a stretcher. @WDRBNews pic.twitter.com/dPCWH5ihQL
— Christie Battista WDRB (@CBattistaTV) April 9, 2025