A desperate search is under way for a two-year-old girl in Kansas after her father drove their truck into a river while fleeing from police. The father, Christopher Johnson, 44, was killed in the crash, but his daughter, identified as Addison Jo Johnson, has not been found.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening near Leon, Kansas. Butler County Sheriff Kelly Herzet said Johnson had been drinking and was spotted buying alcohol with his daughter. The child's mother called police for a welfare check after Johnson refused to bring her home.
Officers located Johnson's Chevrolet pickup truck in a field by the Walnut River. When they attempted to take the toddler from him, Johnson drove off, crossing the field and plunging down a 30-foot embankment into the river. The truck landed on its roof, trapping Johnson inside.
Emergency crews took 90 minutes to reach Johnson, who was found dead inside the vehicle. The rear window of the truck was smashed, and police believe the toddler went out through the broken window. She is presumed dead, though her body has not been recovered.
Sheriff Herzet stated that alcohol played a role in the tragedy, but it is unclear whether the crash was intentional or accidental. Johnson's obituary described him as a mechanic and electrician who loved hunting and fishing, and who had a dry sense of humour.
