Police: Man drives into river thinking he was on underwater bridge

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A man drove his car into the Cumberland River Wednesday and told police he thought he was driving on an underwater bridge.

Police responded to a 911 call about a car in the Cumberland River at Trice Landing Park (99 Oak Street) Wednesday at 1:05 a.m.

A man called 911 after he had a conversation with Robert Johnson, 47, at the Exxon HiRoad Gas Station at Dover Crossing. Johnson told the man he drove a car into the river.

The man went to Trice’s Landing and found a 2009 Dodge Journey in the water turned on its side. He did not know if anyone was in the vehicle and called 911.

Officers arrived and found that the vehicle was unoccupied. Officers spoke to Johnson, who told them he thought he was driving across an underwater bridge, but realized too late that it wasn’t and drove off the side. He abandoned the vehicle and went to find someone with a phone to call for assistance.

Johnson said he walked approximately a mile and a half before speaking to the man who called 911.

The vehicle was pulled out of the water by a tow truck.

No charges will be filed.