No one was inside a suspected stolen car found submerged in a Unity lake on Tuesday morning, according to Crabtree Fire Chief Bill Watkins.
Firefighters, paramedics and state police responded to Dom Lake near Crabtree shortly before 10 a.m. when the vehicle was spotted, according to a Westmoreland 911 dispatcher. The car was pulled from the water just before noon.
The lake, located along Latrobe Crabtree Road, connects to Crabtree Creek.
Eugene Lewis, who lives in the nearby village of Greenwalt, said the Buick Century belongs to his son, James.
“James’ wife got up at 7 to go to work at the Giant Eagle in Latrobe and their car was gone,” Lewis said.
They soon learned from police that the car was in the lake. Another of the couple’s vehicles also was rummaged through and some items were stolen, Lewis said.
Lewis said his son was up until about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday and believes the car was stolen after he fell asleep.
A neighbor spotted the car in the water.
Boat rescue units In Westmoreland County locate submerged car in Dom Lake near Crabtree. Waiting for arrival of Greensburg VFD Dive Team. Uncertain whether any occupants, according to authorities at scene at 10:45 a.m. pic.twitter.com/ppC29T8td7
— Paul Peirce (@ppeirce_trib) April 28, 2020
Submerged car just pulled out of Dom Lake near Crabtree in Unity. Crabtree VFD Chief Bill Watkins confirms no occupants. Authorities believe car stolen overnight and dumped in lake after 1:30 am. pic.twitter.com/SzQ4MFAqMt
— Paul Peirce (@ppeirce_trib) April 28, 2020
State police in Greensburg are investigating.
