A dive team to help with search for missing student

DeKalb Deputy Sheriff Christiansen stands blocking access to Nelson Road at the intersection of Lincoln Highway Wednesday evening after a possible sighting of Antinette Keller in the fields near the intersection. Christiansen was the first officer on the scene at about 5:15PM.

By John Bachmann, Alex Fiore, and Demarcus Robinson

UPDATE:

DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott has confirmed that a dive team from St. Charles is assisting the DeKalb Fire Department in the search for missing student Antinette Keller.

Scott said there was nothing specific that prompted the use of the dive team, only that the authorities are exploring all options.

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Local authorities were searching the area near Nelson Road and train tracks south of Route 38 in DeKalb throughout Wednesday evening for signs of missing NIU student Antinette Keller.

DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott confirmed that a motorist called about a person who may have matched Keller’s description wandering near the train tracks by Route 38 and Nelson Road about 4:30 p.m.

The motorist did not call police until about 30 minutes after he saw the person, Scott said.

Scott said police arrived at the scene about 5:15 p.m.

Scott said the motorist’s description wasn’t specific but they said the person was wandering and looked “kind of dazed.”

Other local departments are now involved with the search as well.

Originally, NIU Police worked the investigation without active involvement from the DeKalb Police Department, said DeKalb Police Lt. Gary Spangler.

Spangler said DeKalb Police are helping with searches, lead follow-ups and other aspects of the case.

As of 6:15 p.m, Scott said they were unable to find the person matching Keller’s description.

An airplane search was conducted before dusk. K9 units were dispatched to the area as well.

Scott said even if nothing is found, squad cars will continue to circle the area through the night.

DeKalb Police are now involved with the search for missing NIU student Antinette “Toni” Keller.

Originally NIU Police worked the investigation without active involvement from the DeKalb Police Department.

This has recently changed, and DeKalb Police are now working with NIU Police, said DeKalb Police Lt. Gary Spangler.

Spangler said DeKalb Police are helping with searches, lead follow-ups and other aspects of the case.