Emmetsburg, IA (KICD) — The Palo Alto Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Iowa DNR on Friday due to a large object being found by sonar in the County Gravel Pit just west of Emmetsburg.

The DNR was unable to identify the object fully because it was buried within the mud and overgrowth of the pit. The Palo Alto Sheriff’s Office requested the help of the Arnold’s Park/Okoboji Search and Rescue Team to aid in the identification of the object. The Search and Rescue Team was able to determine the object was a 1990 Mercury Sable and Wickman’s Towing was called to remove the vehicle.

No items were found within the car, but a VIN number was visible to help determine a previous owner. The car wasn’t reported stolen, and officials aren’t aware of how it ended up in the pit. An investigation is still under way.