UPDATE: Johnathan Creek suspect identified

ZANESVILLE, Ohio– The body of a man who led police on a high-speed chase was found Saturday afternoon in Johnathan’s Creek.

Identified as 43-year-old Michael A. Fowler, South Zanesville Fire Chief, Russell Taylor said his body was found about 20 yards from where he originally jumped into the water. 

“We did at approximately 2:00 p.m. locate the subject we was looking for. He was approximately 20 yards from where he went in the other night. The search and rescue team that came in with Sonar, they were able to map the bottom of Johnathan’s Creek and once they analyzed it in their computer system it gave them a target area. They went back out and they actually targeted and pinpointed exactly where he was within 5 minutes,” said Chief Taylor.

As diving crews and the South Zanesville Fire Department worked about 24 hours searching for the body, Chief Taylor said originally their search was set to continue this Sunday.

“The reason we changed to today was because the forecast for Sunday is for 1 to 2 to 3 inches of snow so we figured today would be a better time than tomorrow. We have probably a total of about 24 hours looking for him. We’re just thankful that we were able to bring the family closure and be able to return their loved one to them,” said Chief Taylor.

As detectives continue to investigate we’ll keep you updated as the story develops.