Mpls. police: Video shows missing U student entering Mississippi River

Updated 2 p.m. | Posted 10:58 a.m.

Minneapolis police searching for missing University of Minnesota student Jennifer Houle said Monday that video evidence indicates she entered the Mississippi River Friday morning from the 10th Avenue Bridge.

No suspects are being sought.

The department didn't detail the evidence but said it's now seeking help from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office in a water recovery effort related to the investigation of Houle and extended condolences to the family.

The 10th Avenue Bridge stands roughly 110 feet above the Mississippi.

"This has now gone from a case where we are trying to figure out what happened to her, to finding the actual body itself," Minneapolis Police Public Information Officer John Elder said.

The width and speed of the river mean authorities must search a large area, said Hennepin County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Rebecca Gilbuena.

"Right now our water patrol is focused on the area at the 10th Avenue Bridge and downstream," she said. "They're using both underwater technology in their search and also performing searches along the shoreline."

Houle, 22, was last seen at the Blarney Pub & Grill in Dinkytown sometime between 1 a.m and 2 a.m. Friday. Her purse was found four blocks away on 4th Street Southeast at 3 a.m., according to police.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the news about Jennifer Houle," Danita Brown Young, the university's vice provost for student affairs, said in a statement. "We are continuing to offer counseling and support to any students, faculty and staff who may need it."