Search and rescue crews have been deployed along the Kalamazoo River last Saturday in a search for an elderly man. The search was triggered by a 911 call received by the Allegan County Central Dispatch at approximately 12:50 p.m. The caller reported a male figure on the US-131 bridge above the river, with the man seen standing over the guardrail, as reported by WZZM13.
Following the emergency call, officers were dispatched and located the man's vehicle parked on the US-131. According to the City of Plainwell, they also found the individual standing in a shallow part of the river. Despite attempts by an officer to communicate, the man did not respond and submerged himself into the river. The Plainwell Fire and Rescue and Allegan County Sheriff's Office, alongside multiple assisting agencies, were quickly mobilized for assistance.
Diverse units are involved in the ongoing search, including the Allegan County Dive Team, Otsego Police and Fire Departments, Saugatuck Fire Department, Allegan County West Side Drone Team, Michigan State Police, as well as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the State Police Air Support. Members of the Plainwell EMS are also partaking in the efforts.
