Body of missing Crown Point man found in car pulled from pond

CROWN POINT, Ind. (WLS) -- The body of missing Crown Point man Michael Hernandez was found in his vehicle submerged in a retention pond Thursday night, police said.

Divers found the vehicle in the 12-foot deep pond as investigators began doubling back on areas already covered during the initial search, Lake County Sheriff John Buncich said during a news conference Friday.

Dozens of onlookers stood by as Hernandez's parents and other relatives watched his 2008 blue Scion being pulled from the High Meadows Pond.

"I think we're at the scene within 90 minutes, so it was a tough scene," said Chief Pete Land, Crown Point Police Department.

An autopsy shows Hernandez's cause of death was accidental drowning. Toxicology reports are pending.

Police say the retention pond was searched due to its proximity to the residence of someone Hernandez was with the night that he disappeared. Police also said the pond could have been on Hernandez's route home.

Although Sheriff Buncich said it was odd no one heard or saw the incident - given the pond's location in a heavily residential area - police do not think Hernandez's death is suspicious. Investigators found no evidence of Hernandez or his vehicle in the areas surrounding the pond.

Hernandez was last seen around 11 p.m. on May 1 after watching a Blackhawks game with a co-worker at the Safe House Bar and Grill on the Crown Point square.

He was reported missing after he missed a scheduled visitation with his children and didn't show up at Team Toyota in Schererville, where he worked as a car salesman. He is the father of twin girls.

"I'm glad he's been found so the family can get closure but it's still heartbreaking around here. We really, really miss him," said Jason Akers, Team Toyota general manager.

Hernandez's family and friends pledged on social media to never stop looking for him.

They searched several areas, including nearby Demotte and Roselawn, where his cellphone was last traced.

"We just put all our heart and soul in it and kept looking," said Sgt. Ryan Remenius, Lake County Indiana Sheriff's Department investigator.

Expressions of love and grief continue to grow at the scene Friday, where neighbors remain saddened by the discovery.

"It's beyond sadness to think this happened to a young man with twins," said June O'Neil, Crown Point resident.