The Island County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a man who drove his car into the water at Cornet Bay this morning.

The Island County coroner tentatively identified the man as 46-year-old Stoney Brunais. He was wanted on a $500,000 arrest warrant out of Island County Superior Court for two counts of rape of a child in the first degree.

The sheriff’s office posted on its Facebook page yesterday that Brunais’ last known address was Stanwood but that he was suspected of fleeing to Montana.

Just before 12:30 a.m., a witness reported that a man in a blue 2012 Dodge Challenger parked at the boat launch. The man, who was the sole occupant of the car, appeared to be talking on the phone.

After finishing the call, the man drove the car into the water. A few seconds later, the witness reported hearing a “pop” sound, the sheriff’s office reported.

Deputies who responded to the witness’ 911 call found the car submerged in 15 feet of water and inaccessible. Divers were called to assist in pulling the car from the water. The body was found still seat belted in the driver’s seat.

Positive identification of the driver as well as cause and manner of death will be released after an autopsy is completed.