The search for Keshaun Williams leads police to an industrial area on the Cuyahoga River

CLEVELAND. Federal, state and local authorities searched an industrial area of the Cuyahoga River Tuesday for vehicles linked to missing teenager Keshaun Williams, pulling two SUVs from the river.

The search was focused on the riverfront area at Jefferson Avenue and West Third Street.

Cleveland police are looking for tips related to missing teenager Keshaun Williams near the Cuyahoga River

A law enforcement source and Cleveland Missing President John Magjoy said the search is tied to Williams.

Divers search for vehicles linked to missing teenager Keshaun Williams near the Cuyahoga River

The divers were lowered into the water on a tow truck, according to a News 5 reporter at the scene.

A black jeep was pulled out of the river.

RAW: Vehicles pull a Jeep from the Cuyahoga River during a search for Keshaun Williams

It is not known what was inside the car, the top of which was covered with a net.

After some time, the second car was pulled out.

A second vehicle was stopped during Williams' T-shirt

Cleveland police response

Police released a statement calling the search an “exercise” to retrieve the two cars from the river. They said it was too early in the investigation to speculate whether the vehicles were connected to Williams’ disappearance.

Police also said the vehicles will be towed to the impound lot for identification and possible evidence.

Searches for vehicles in the Cuyahoga River linked to missing teenager Keshaun Williams

Participants were the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the SERT Dive Team, Westshore Dive Team and Rich’s Towing.

ODNR told police that vessel traffic from the St. Mary’s Cleveland Terminal to the south side of the Universal Oil Property will be restricted.

Missing for more than a year

Williams was last seen on June 17, 2023. Investigators said he was at a house party on Gertrude Avenue.

In this case, the yellow alert remains active.

Investigators have released new information in hopes of finding missing Cleveland teenager Keshaun Williams

“Keshon is gone. It was very painful. I miss the big, wet kiss he gives me every time I give him a ride home. I miss it. I miss him,” his grandmother Mary Williams said at a press conference. earlier this month. “There are people here who know what happened to Keshaun and I am praying that you will come forward and provide the information that you have. I’m not asking you if you have it. I know people have it, so we’re just praying that you come out.”

Police and the U.S. Marshals Service said they received a tip over the past few weeks that led them to focus on what is now a vague description of the vehicle.

“We have reason to believe that he (Keshon) was last seen leaving the party and getting into a dark colored SUV with a group of juvenile males,” Deputy US Marshal Vincent Piccoli said.

Piccoli said the report is believed to be accurate, and there were between two and four children in the SUV.

The description of the new vehicle differs from that of the black Jeep originally linked to the case but later returned.

Piccoli said Williams is believed to still be in the Cleveland area and hopes the public can provide more details to fill in the gaps about the dark color in order to bring Williams home safely.

The police are asking for help from citizens

The reward for information leading to Williams’ whereabouts has been increased to $27,500.

Cuyahoga County Crime Stoppers, the U.S. Marshal’s Service and anonymous donors contributed to the fund.

Tips can be obtained from the US Marshals Service at 1-866-4-WANTED. Tips can also be called Cuyahoga County Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463. You can also tip online and through the Crime Stopper mobile app.