Missing Tennesse Officer and A Detained Woman Both Found Dead In Police Cruiser, in River

A missing deputy sheriff from Tennessee was located deceased on Thursday evening. A woman detained in his vehicle at the time, was also found deceased at the scene.

Deputy Robert “R.J.” Leonard’s vehicle was discovered submerged in the Tennessee River’s Blythe Ferry area, with the driver’s side front window rolled down and a body in the backseat.

The body, identified as a detainee at the time, Tabitha Smith, was handcuffed inside the patrol car at the time of its’ plummet into the river. A second body, identified as the deputy, was later located.

Deputy Leonard, who had recently completed his training and joined the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, had just made his first arrest responding to a disturbance call on a highway bridge.

On his way to the jail, he stopped responding over the radio after saying the word “water” through static. The Deputy wrote a text message to his wife regarding the arrest, however, the message did not get delivered.

Officials speculate that distractions or unfamiliarity likely contributed to the accident.