By Staff
NILES – A body found in the St. Joseph River in Niles, just north of the state line, is apparently not that of missing South Bend, Ind., woman Vivian Borysiak.
However, a dog, found near the body in the river on Tuesday afternoon has apparently been identified by its tag as "Milo," the woman's dog, who went missing with her on the morning of Feb. 3.
Michigan State Police from the Niles post were called to assist the South Bend and Clay Township Fire Departments on the St. Joseph River near Bertrand and Cobb Roads in Berrien County. Firefighters on a training mission found a body on the west side of the river entangled in a brushy snag along the bank.
Just prior to finding the body, firefighters found the body of the dog in the river. Police believe the body is not that of Borysiak, rather is male.
"Investigation at the scene indicates that it is highly unlikely that the body found is Vivian Borysiak," said F/Lt. Michael Brown, Niles Post Commander.
Detectives with the Niles Post are actively working with other agencies in Michigan and Indiana to identify any other missing persons.
An autopsy to determine identity and cause of death is scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.
Anyone with information in this case, contact D/Sgt. Fabian Suarez at (269) 683-4411.