Woman found dead in submerged vehicle near Gary harbor after calling 911 for help

on Saturday, Gary police received a call from a woman, later identified as 75-year-old Sheila Harris, who told dispatchers her vehicle had gone into the water. Emergency dispatchers used location technology to narrow Harris location to the area near the entrance of Buffington Harbor, where police and firefighters began searching. However, crews were initially unable to locate the vehicle. Police said it took investigators seven to eight hours to determine where Harris’ vehicle had entered the water. Using surveillance video and an underwater camera, crews were eventually able to locate the submerged vehicle. Because of hazardous conditions and contaminated water, divers were unable to safely enter the water to reach the car. Recovery efforts were suspended until Sunday, when a hazmat team was able to safely recover the vehicle. Crews decontaminated the white Hyundai before going inside, where they found Harris dead. She was later identified by the Lake County Coroner’s Office. The investigation remained ongoing as of Monday evening. Anyone with information is urged to contact Cpl. Tyler Knotts of the Gary Police Department s Traffic Division at 219-881-1217.