News : Benton County Sherriff's Report, Constance Rose Runde

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible trespasser around 9:15 a.m. Oct 14, 2014 in the area of 29th Avenue and 65th Street 3 miles SW of Shellsburg.

Upon arrival deputies discovered a vehicle about 300 feet south of 65th street next to a cornfield and in a grass waterway. There was no one around the vehicle at the time.

Investigation led to the fact that the vehicle was owned by an 81 year old female from the Cedar Rapids area. Cedar Rapids Police checked the residence and were unable to locate the driver. There had not been anyone reported missing to Cedar Rapids Police at that time.

The terrain was very difficult to maneuver in. A search was started of the area around the vehicle by several agencies. Volunteers from the area and the following agencies searched the corn field, grassy terrain and creek bottom for several hours.

Atkins Fire Department

Benton County Sheriff’s Office

Benton County Sheriff Rescue

Center Point Ambulance

Iowa State Patrol

Newhall Fire Department

North Benton Ambulance – Vinton

Norway Fire Department

Palo Fire and Water Rescue

Shellsburg Fire and First Responders

Urban Fire Department

Van Horne Fire Department

Vinton Fire Department

Shortly after 5:00 p.m., Palo Fire Water Rescue Team located the driver submerged in the creek in about 4 feet of water near a log jam.

The driver, Constance Rose Runde age 81 was pronounced dead at the scene by the Benton County Medical Examiners personnel.