Search underway for missing people after vehicle found in Tonto Creek

Search and rescue crews were searching for residents of the Bear Flat area after the office received a 911 call about a vehicle being found in Tonto Creek on Wednesday.

The Gila County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook that deputies along with Tonto Rim Search and Rescue and Hell's Gate Fire Department searched the Bear Flat area roughly 18 miles east of Payson and found the vehicle in the creek approximately 100 yards below the crossing.

"Rescue efforts in the area are complicated and extremely dangerous due to the weather conditions and flooding," the Sheriff's Office said. "Payson Police Department responded with their specialized vehicle to transport rescue personnel across flooded creek crossings. The Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter is also on scene and has joined the search."

The Sheriff's Office believes the missing people are local residents traveling with a family pet, but would not release their identities until more information is available to verify.

Searchers haven't found anyone as of Wednesday evening, the Sheriff's Office said, and noted that ongoing weather conditions could slow or hamper the search.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Search underway for missing people after vehicle found in Tonto Creek