SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Jan 21, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BENTON, MISSOURI –
Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said at 9:31 AM on Wednesday, January 20, his office received a call from Scott City Police Dispatch regarding a missing person, (23) year old Zackary Johnston. Sheriff’s Office personnel and Scott City Police responded to a rural area north of Scott City and located Johnston’s vehicle which was covered with snow. According to family and friends, Johnston went hunting Tuesday evening and had not been heard from since. The last contact anyone had with Johnston was approximately 4 PM Tuesday afternoon.
Once Zackary Johnston’s vehicle was found, Walter said his office requested assistance from area agencies. The following agencies sent equipment and personnel to assist with the search:
Sikeston Department of Public Safety
Cape County Sheriff’s Office
Scott City Police Department
Scott City Fire Department
North Scott County Ambulance Service
NBC Fire Department
Jackson Fire Department
Cape Girardeau Fire Department
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Scott County Coroner’s Office
Scott County Chaplains
American Red Cross
Scott County Sheriff’s Office
Approximately 80 law enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency medical service personnel responded in the effort to find Johnston.
During the search, personal items belonging to Johnston were located which enabled the search to focus on a more concentrated area. As the search continued into the afternoon hours, authorities were contacted by fishermen in a boat who had spotted what appeared to be additional personal items. Searchers were directed to the area where they continued the search and located Johnston’s body in the water at approximately 4:30 PM.
Sheriff Walter expresses a sincere thank you to all the agencies and their personnel, for their quick response, support, and hard work. Walter is also very thankful to community volunteers that showed up and all those that called offering their support and prayers. Walter said his office will continue to keep family and friends in their prayers during this difficult time.
