Search suspended for missing city employee after reportedly falling into Flint River

ALBANY, Ga. – The search was suspended earlier this evening for the missing city employee who went missing after reportedly falling into the Flint River earlier today.

The Flint Riverkeeper says the river level is high and the currents are fast, leading officials to suspend the search for the evening.

It was reported that the city employee was conducting sewage samples along the banks of the river.

There’s been a lot of tension along the Flint River throughout the day as first responders continued to search for a city employee who fell in.

We first got word that a city employee fell into the Flint River just before noon today and multiple agencies have been hard at work on this search and rescue.

The Department of Natural Resources and Albany Police Department have been on the river searching for the city employee, and even closed the dam a few miles up from where we are to try and minimize the flow in the midst of today’s downpour.

We got a chance to speak with Chief Scott during the search and rescue about finding this city employee.

“…As more water comes our way…current changes, the depth of the water changes, temperature changes. And, of course, we begin to start thinking about nightfall. And, certainly we’re not allowed to conduct searches at night, that becomes a concern. So, we’re continuing to do all we can while we still have daylight…” said Chief Cedric Scott, Albany Fire Department.

Chief Scott told us the current search range is around two and a half miles, with the Georgia State Patrol searching overhead via helicopter.

At this time, the city employee’s name has not been released as the family hasn’t been notified yet.

We hope to have an update from first responders as soon as possible.

This is a developing story. Stay with CBS 44 South Georgia for more updates as information is available.

Brian Roche reporting.

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