While fishing for crappie in Cheney Lake over Memorial Day weekend, Wichita resident John Mounce, 45, snagged a surprising discovery – not a fish, but a submerged Jeep. Seeking shelter from strong winds near the dam, Mounce's sonar revealed a vehicle resting on the lakebed. Intrigued, he used his Garmin livescope to get a clearer view, identifying the tires, roll bar, and other distinct features of a Jeep.

After reeling in some crappie that had gathered around the vehicle, Mounce contacted the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department. Officers quickly identified the vehicle from Mounce's images as a Jeep CJ model. With the help of county fire divers and a tow service, the vehicle was pulled from the lake. A check of the vehicle identification number revealed it to be a 1983 Jeep CJ-7, reported stolen in 1990.

The Sheriff’s Department located the Jeep's last registered owner, now residing in Arkansas, who confirmed the theft and subsequent insurance claim. Ownership of the recovered vehicle now rests with the insurance company. The details of the 1990 theft remain unclear, as the original case was handled by the Wichita Police Department, who have not yet responded to requests for information.

Mounce remains curious about the Jeep's history and hopes to learn more from the original owner about its past. He noted aftermarket rims and a tow hitch, suggesting the Jeep was likely cherished by its owner. The mystery surrounding the vehicle's submersion continues, adding an unexpected twist to Mounce's fishing trip.