Breaking News – Search crews tonight recovered the body of Meigs County Deputy Robert Leonard.

Leonard went missing after arresting a woman Wednesday night.

Based on an early investigation, it is believed that Leonard took a woman into custody in the 9 o’clock hour Wednesday on Highway 60, then crashed his cruiser into the water near the Blythe Ferry boat ramp at the Hiwassee River.

Officials say Leonard arrested the woman, who has still not been identified, texted his wife about the arrest, then radioed to say he had a detainee he was bringing back.

About 12 minutes later, Leonard radioed again, in distress, and said something about water.

Leonard’s car was found in the water near the ramp yesterday. Leonard’s body was not inside the car, but the body of a woman believed to be the arrestee was in the back seat,

Upon finding the car, the driver’s side window was open.

Leonard had joined Meigs County Sheriff’s Office in December 2023 and was from New York.