Fisherman Missing in Tipton County

TIPTON CO., Tenn. - The Tipton County Sheriff's office is searching for a fisherman who went in the water Sunday afternoon after a sand bar he was on gave away.

According to deputies, three men had been fishing along the Hatchie River and were pulling their boat up a ramp along Highway 51 near the Rialto neighborhood. The three men then decided to cool off, and stepped into the water.

44-year old Paul Dunaway walked out onto a sand bar when it gave away and he went into the water. According to the other two men, Dunaway did not know how to swim. Deputies were called to search for the man around 3:30pm Sunday, and rescue crews stayed out until nightfall. The search resumed around 8:00am Monday.

Shelby and Lauderdale County crews are also assisting in the search.

“The Hatchie River defines the County lines so the rescue is a joint effort with Tipton and Lauderdale County officials," said Tipton Co. Sheriff J.T. 'Pancho' Chumley. "We are utilizing all resources to locate Mr. Dunaway.”

Anyone having information in this case is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 901-475-3300 daily or 24 hours at Central Dispatch at 901-475-4300. Tips may be emailed to Sheriff@tiptonco.con or reported on the tipline at 475-3307.