Missing Gandy Bridge driver located after crash

TAMPA - The missing driver of an abandoned car on the Gandy Bridge has been located, according to Tampa police.

It all started around 8 p.m. Saturday when emergency crews responded to a report of a vehicle crash.

St. Petersburg fire crews and Tampa Fire Rescue units initially responded, but were unable to locate the driver.

An unidentified witness told authorities they saw the driver jump into the water.

Water rescue crews from Tampa Fire Rescue, the Tampa Police Department dive team, FWC, and the U.S. Coast Guard spent hours searching the nearby water for the driver.

Tampa police say the vehicle was registered to Charles F. McFadden, 55, of Tampa.  Officials were unable to reach McFadden via phone or at his address during the search efforts.

Sunday morning, Lt. Ronald W. McMullen told ABC Action News that investigators did finally make contact with McFadden at his residence.

McFadden reportedly told officers that he suffered minor injuries in the crash and decided to walk home, leaving his vehicle at the crash scene.

The Tampa Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident.