Divers suspend search for man, child on Bibb Pond south of J.R. Allen Parkway Bridge

Divers will return to Bibb Pond on the Chattahoochee River early Thursday after witnesses said a man and small child disappeared in the water after they were seen fishing, a Columbus Department of Fire & Emergency Services official said late Wednesday.

Battalion Chief Donnie Jones said 25 firefighters including divers were in the area searching for a man in his 30s and a small child after officials received a call about 6:15 p.m. The search was suspended after nightfall some two hours later with the threat of rocks damaging boats.

A dive team will return to the area about 7 a.m. Thursday, he said.

Jones said witnesses spotted the two people in the area before they disappeared. “It’s appears they were fishing from the bank,” he said.

The area is south of Lake Oliver Marina and just below the J.R. Allen Parkway Bridge. Police blocked an access road while the search was underway. Police also were trying to identify a vehicle of interest left in the area.

Divers and boats with sonar were used to try and locate the man and child. A helicopter from the Columbus Police Department was in the air for 30 minutes searching along the river banks.

With reports from three different witnesses, Jones said authorities believe they have good information in their search.

This story was originally published March 28, 2018 at 10:39 PM with the headline "Divers suspend search for man, child on Bibb Pond south of J.R. Allen Parkway Bridge."