COLUMBUS, Ohio — Crews are now deploying boats to assist in the search for a 17-year-old boy who reportedly walked into Big Walnut Creek on Monday night.
According to a spokesperson for Mifflin Township, a witness said Ali Shegow entered the water shortly before midnight near Academy Park in Gahanna.
Shegow was reportedly involved in an altercation with a family member and left the residence on foot.
Emergency personnel conducted a search that night near both banks of the creek and the surrounding area.
A Columbus police helicopter, as well as drones from various agencies, have been used to assist in the search, surveying the area for Shegow.
Crews were not able to use boats until Thursday due to high-water levels.
“We will continue to closely monitor the water level and utilize boats to assist with our efforts as the conditions allow,” said Mifflin Township Division of Fire Chief Frederick Kauser. “We continue to work with the victim’s family, and we will exhaust every opportunity to recover this young man for them.”
Since Monday, emergency personnel have searched around the creek for signs of the teen, extending from Academy Park to south of Creekside near the VFW-Tri Community Post 4719.
Trails along the creek have been closed in the area where crews are searching. People are encouraged to stay clear from the area to allow personnel to conduct the search and to avoid high water in the area.
Woodside Green Park is closed to allow emergency services to conduct water rescue operations throughout the afternoon on Thursday.