Man found in lake was wanted by police

BLOOMINGTON -- Officials say a man whose body was found in a car submerged in a central Illinois lake was wanted for violating probation on a domestic battery conviction.

Authorities say Gerald C. McKinnon's body was found Tuesday in the back seat of a car submerged in Evergreen Lake. McLean County Coroner Beth Kimmerling said Wednesday that McKinnon died of drowning with no obvious signs of trauma.

Decatur Police Lt. David Dickerson said McKinnon, who had bipolar disorder, left the Heritage Behavioral Health Center on Feb. 19.

Dickerson said McKinnon was reported missing March 1, and the auto was reported stolen March 11.

A warrant for McKinnon's arrest was issued March 18for his alleged violation of probation in connection with a 2008 case.

<div style="float:right;margin:0 0 6px 0;"> <div class="moreHeader"> More Coverage </div> <div class="moreHolder"> <div style="margin:6px;text-wrap:auto;"> <div class="moreSubHead"> Stories </div> <ul class="moreLinks"> <li><a href="/story/?id=281500" class="mediaItem">Missing Ill. man found in stolen car sunk in lake <span class="moreDate"> [03/25/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>