Searchers: looking for man in Cedar River ‘likely a recovery’

CEDAR RAPIDS - Police officers and firefighters responded to the First Avenue Bridge over the Cedar River at 7:42 p.m. for a report of a man who went into the river.

At least two people called 911 to report man went into the river, according to a post on the Cedar Rapids Fire Department's Facebook page.

Crews deployed from the boat ramp on 7th Avenue SW and were also positioned at several bridges downstream. Witnesses told authorities the man was seen passing underneath the Second Avenune Bridge but not visible at the Third Avenue Bridge, according to a release from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.

Officials said they believe shoes belonging to the man were recovered. Authorities were unable to find him as of around 9:30 p.m., according to a tweet from the Cedar Rapids Police Department.

The operation 'is likely a recovery ... at this time,” the fire department's post said.

Searchers suspended operations for the evening around 9:45 p.m.

The departments said the Cedar's swift current, lightning and the possibility of hail led to the decision to pause their search.