IMPD searching for missing man on west side of Indianapolis; Divers deployed at nearby pond
Nov 16, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is searching for a missing 48-year-old.
James Rich (IMPD)
According to a press release, 48-year-old James Rich was last seen on Saturday at 45 Beachway Drive. Police believe Rich was wearing a green jack, maroon shirt, gray sweatpants and black shoes at the time of his disappearance.
Police describe Rich as a 5-foot-7, 145-pound, brown-haired, hazel-eyed man.
In the hours since IMPD announced it was searching for Rich, multiple fire and rescue agencies — including the Wayne Township, Speedway, Indianapolis and Avon Fire Departments — have launched dive rescue operations at a pond located directly behind the address Rich was last seen at.
Officials have been searching for Rich since 1 a.m. Saturday. They've utilized drones, K9s, boats and divers during their search for him.
According to the Wayne Township Fire Department, investigators believe Rich may have gone into the pond at some point based on video evidence and signaling from the K9s involved in the search.
"Well, at this time, we believe there is some video evidence from a security camera, and I think the police are looking at that, as well as some of the dive team leaders," WTFD Captain Eric Banister said during a media briefing. "We have a general idea of where we think he went in by the dog indicating — if he indeed went in the water at all. We just have to search it to make sure."
Investigators are expected to continue searching the pond until the sun sets on Saturday. Once it's dark, the dive search of the pond will stop for the day.
IMPD is urging citizens to call 911, should they locate Rich. Those with information on Rich's disappearance can also call the IMPD Missing Persons Unit at (317) 327-3475.
Alternatively, tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana by calling (317) 327-3475, using the P3Tips mobile app or visiting www.CrimeTips.org.