Crime & Safety
Polk County, OR Mystery: Vintage Coca-Cola Van Found Abandoned
Independence, OR – An unusual roadside discovery in Polk County has caught the attention of local deputies after what appears to be a decades old Coca Cola delivery van was found abandoned near Indepe
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-23T20:42:02.580Z
Independence, OR – An unusual roadside discovery in Polk County has caught the attention of local deputies after what appears to be a decades old Coca Cola delivery van was found abandoned near Independence, leaving investigators trying to determine who owns the rusted vehicle and how it ended up there.
According to the Polk County Sheriff 's Office, deputies occasionally receive reports of abandoned vehicles and recreational trailers along local roads, but the discovery of an aging Coca Cola van was something they had not encountered before.
Vintage Coca Cola Van Found Along Roadside Photographs shared by the sheriff's office show a heavily weathered van with faded red paint and remnants of the recognizable white Coca Cola lettering along its side.
The vehicle appears to have been sitting unused for an extended period, with extensive rust, missing front body panels and an exposed engine compartment.
Despite its deteriorated condition, portions of the company's classic branding remain visible.
The sheriff's office described the discovery as a first for the department.
Deputies Struggle to Trace Vehicle's History One of the biggest challenges facing investigators is the vehicle's age.
Authorities said the van's vehicle identification number, commonly called a VIN, is old enough that deputies are having difficulty using it to determine the vehicle's history.
The department has not announced the vehicle's model year, original owner or how long it may have been abandoned.
Officials also have not established whether the van was once used commercially by Coca Cola or another operator.
Sheriff's Office Seeks Information The unusual discovery has prompted deputies to seek information that could help establish the vehicle's ownership and background.
Anyone who recognizes the van or has information about its history is encouraged to contact Deputy Patenaude at 503 623 9251 .
The sheriff's office listed the investigation under case number 2026 14102 .
For now, the aging Coca Cola van remains an unusual roadside mystery in the Independence area, with deputies hoping someone can help explain its origins.