Search for missing woman in Cahokia called off as police seek more information

After searching a flooded canal for more than five hours for a woman who may have gone into the water, St. Clair County’s Special Emergency Service crews called off the search Tuesday until police could learn more about what may have happened.

According to the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency, a woman described as distraught was seen running toward flood waters beneath the Canal Bridge on Water Street around noon Tuesday. St. Clair County Special Emergency Service rescue workers responded with boats and search dogs but never found anyone.

Emergency Management Agency director Herb Simmons said shortly before 5:30 p.m. that the search had been called off until police were able to learn more.

It’s not clear who reported seeing the woman in the area around the canal or whether a missing person report has been filed. Cahokia Police Department officials could not be reached for comment.

This story was originally published June 16, 2015 at 2:08 PM with the headline "Search for missing woman in Cahokia called off as police seek more information."