MOCKSVILLE — A thief who stole a pickup early Tuesday decided to ditch the vehicle in the Yadkin River, said Davie County Sheriff’s officials.

The red Chevrolet truck was reported stolen from a Mocksville home around 12:30 a.m. and found sometime around 6:30 a.m. in the river at U.S. 601 near the South Yadkin River bridge, near the Rowan County line.

Chief Deputy J.D. Hartman said someone driving across the bridge spotted the vehicle sticking out of the water. Authorities were called because it was assumed someone was inside the vehicle. The fire department and rescue squad also arrived on the scene.

Hartman said it appeared the vehicle was driven into the water from the boat ramp. No one was inside. No arrest has been made.

He said things like this have happened in the past. They’ve recovered stolen vehicles from Greensboro and other surrounding areas.

There are three wildlife access points — from the U.S. 601 bridge, above the dam in Cooleemee and off N.C. 801.