VERNON HILLS, Ill. (WLS) — A body was recovered Tuesday afternoon in the search for missing Carpentersville teen Brissa Romer, police said in a news release.
This is a breaking news update; check back for details.
Crews returned to a retention pond in Vernon Hills Tuesday, one day after discovering missing Carpentersville teen Brissa Romer’s car in the water.
Crews have blocked off all roads leading to this retention pond.
Their search efforts began around 8 a.m. and they continue to look for the missing teen. Crews scanned the water using two sonar detection boats to see if they can spot anything.
“We’re going to be scanning this entire body of water to make sure we rule out any potential targets that could be Brissa,” Countryside Fire Chief Chuck Smith. “We’ll be out here as long as it takes to bring closure to the family.”
The Carpentersville teenager was not found in the vehicle Monday when it was pulled from the water.
Data from her cell phone led officers to Executive Way and Lakeview Parkway, where police found the teen’s backpack and belongings, leading them to search the pond.
“Based on the condition of the vehicle and all the evidence we have at this point, it appears that Brissa was in that vehicle when it drove into the lake,” Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick Kreis.
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WATCH: Full update from Vernon Hills police
Vernon Hills police gave an update on the search for Brissa Romero after her car was recovered from a retention pond Monday afternoon.
Her family last heard from Brissa Monday night, as she was headed to a holiday party about a mile away at a bowling alley.
Her sister, Dulce, says until she is found, they still have hope that their little sister, the youngest of five siblings, will be home for the holidays.
“The vehicle has no body inside,” Dulce Romero, Brissa’s sister, said. “They will be searching the pond and to see if Brissa’s body is in there. Until now, in my heart, I still believe she’s out there.”
Crews said they will continue searching this pond until it is fully clear and will work until sunset.
Crews will return to north suburban Vernon Hills Tuesday morn
Brissa’s family is offering a $14,000 reward for any information that could help them find her.
Brissa is 5 feet tall and weighs 115 pounds. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact Sgt. Webb with the Carpentersville Police Department at 847-551-3481 or QuadCom Dispatch at 847-428-8784.
