A vehicle reported stolen from Suffolk was found almost completely submerged in the western branch of the Elizabeth River on Thursday morning.

A citizen called police about 7:17 a.m. to say they could see a vehicle in the water behind the Lake Ahoy subdivision located off the 4000 block of Airline Boulevard.

Police and fire personnel responded and could see the roof of a vehicle in the water about 15 feet from the shore. It appeared as if the vehicle had been there for several hours, according to a news release from a Chesapeake Police spokesman.

The Norfolk Police Department dive team responded and helped with the search and recovery of the vehicle. It was removed from the water and found to be unoccupied.

A registration check revealed the 1997 Ford two-door was recently reported stolen from Suffolk late Wednesday or early Thursday. The theft is under investigation.