Police Search for Claremont Woman Wanted in Theft of Car Found in River

Claremont — Police are searching for a 30-year-old Claremont woman who is accused of stealing a car that was later found submerged in the Connecticut River.

Erica Belknap-Morris faces felony charges of theft of a motor vehicle, criminal mischief and theft of services, according to a Claremont police news release. She is also charged with fraudulent use of a credit card and contempt of court, two misdemeanors.

The vehicle, a 2010 Acura TL sedan, was discovered underwater at the boat landing on Ferry Landing Road in Claremont on Sept. 15. 

“It was unknown how long the vehicle had been in the water or whether there were people inside of it,” police said in the release. “Dive personnel were dispatched to the scene and performed a search of the area. They determined that there were no people inside of the car.”

The car was removed by a towing service with the assistance of divers. Following an investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Belknap-Morris; her whereabouts are unknown, police said.