FHP believes car in river was stolen

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- The Florida Highway Patrol believes a car found in the St. Johns River may have been put there on purpose.

The car was pulled out of the water near the Shands Bridge on State Road 16 late Monday night. FHP says they found a concrete block on the gas pedal, and they believe the car may be stolen.

Calls to 911 reported the car sinking about 9 p.m. The car was found to have veered off the road just before the bridge, and crossed many feet of large rocks before hitting the water. Only the roof of the car was visible to rescue teams.

Dive teams were unable to locate any occupants inside the vehicle, which had all of the windows rolled down.

St. Johns and Clay county law enforcement as well as FHP and Florida Fish and Wildlife participated in the investigation and vehicle recovery.

The owners were located at their home in Duval County and were not with the vehicle when it entered the water.