The driver and owner of the submerged truck in Flathead River faces several charges after an investigation by the Polson Police Department determined that Kobe Schamp “drove and exited himself” from the truck.  

Schamp reported his 2004 white GMC Sierra truck missing from the South Shore Lounge parking lot to the Polson Police Department on Friday, Nov. 28. The following Wednesday, Dec. 3, the Polson Police, along with City of Polson Fire Department, Lake County Search and Rescue and Lake County Sheriff's Department, responded to a report of a white truck submerged in the Flathead River near the dog park on Seventh Avenue West.  

An underwater drone confirmed that no one was in the vehicle, and due to weather conditions and encroaching darkness, the removal was postponed until the next day, according to the Polson Police Department press release.  

The recovery was completed on Dec. 4 with additional assistance from Lake County Office of Emergency Management, Tribal Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Services, Polson Ambulance and Draggin’ Wagon Towing. No injuries were reported from the crash or recovery.  

“The discovery and recovery of the submerged vehicle in the Flathead River required careful planning, specialized resources, and close interagency cooperation. The use of an underwater drone to confirm the vehicle was unoccupied, followed by a safe and methodical recovery operation under challenging weather and daylight conditions, highlights the skill and dedication of everyone involved,” Simpson stated in the press release.  

The vehicle was later identified as the same truck previously reported stolen. During the follow-up investigation, officers found contradictory information from the initial stolen truck report. On Dec. 9, Schamp was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to give notice of an accident, and false reporting to law enforcement.  

“I am especially proud of the thorough follow-up investigation conducted by our officers, which uncovered critical information and ensured the facts of the incident were accurately established,” said Simpson.