The body of Meigs County Deputy Robert “RJ” Leonard has been found.

Officials say Leonard went missing after arresting a woman Wednesday night.

District Attorney Russell Johnson says the woman’s body was found inside his vehicle in the water.

Based on early investigation, it is believed that Leonard took the woman into custody Wednesday on Highway 60, then crashed his car near the Blythe Ferry boat ramp that leads into the river.

They say Leonard texted his wife about the arrest, then radioed to say he had a detainee he was bringing back and then 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, his body not inside but was later found nearby in the water.

The 35-year-old leaves behind a wife and five children.