Tennessee Deputy’s Patrol Car Found in River with Two Bodies Inside, Authorities Confirm

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in Tennessee has confirmed that the body of 35-year-old Deputy Robert “RJ” has been found. Leonard’s patrol car was found in the water with two bodies inside.

HCSO announced in a Facebook post that Deputy Leonard’s body was found Thursday night. HCSO, Tennessee Highway Patrol and Chattanooga Police Department took the body to the Knoxville Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.

The incident occurred after Deputy Leonard, who was new to the department, responded to reports of a domestic disturbance involving a man and a woman on the bridge around 10 p.m. Wednesday. Meigs County District Attorney Russell Johnson confirmed Leonard took the woman into custody.

Concerns arose over Leonard’s failure to respond to state control, leading authorities to begin searching for the missing president. One of Leonard’s last communications was a text message to his wife stating that he was “dead.” However, his wife could not answer him.

Cops made a suspicious discovery Thursday morning when Leonard’s patrol car was found floating in the Hiawassee River. Unfortunately, the body of the woman involved in the arrest was found submerged in the backseat of the car, leading authorities to believe she was the victim.

Preliminary investigation suggests Leonard may have been impaired while driving while intoxicated. The place is well lit, you can text and listen to the radio at the same time. Meigs County District Attorney Russell Johnson said at a news conference that the crash appeared to be an accident and that Leonard may have lost speed, was unfamiliar with the area and may have gotten into trouble.

Sheriff @AGarrettSheriff and the men and women of the HCSO would like to thank all our partner agencies who have dedicated many hours and resources to locate Deputy Leonard.

— Hamilton County Sheriff's Office – TN (@hcsotn) February 16, 2024

As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, authorities are working to determine the circumstances that led to the sudden death of the president and the discovery of the next patrol car in the river.