MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. – The following news release was sent to local media Monday morning by the Muskegon Police Department.
A task force consisting of investigators from the Norton Shores Police Department, Michigan State Police, Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department, Muskegon Police Department and the Muskegon County Prosecutors Office have been investigating numerous tips that have been received on the missing persons report (Jessica Heeringa), which has since been reclassified as an abduction case. . At this time, four persons of interest have been interviewed and cleared of any connection in the abduction of Jessica.
This event occurred in late evening hours of April 26, 2013 at the Exxon Mobil gas station located at 1196 E. Sternberg Rd.
At approximately 11:15 pm NSPD officers were dispatched to the gas station on a suspicious activity report. Customers called 911 after entering the store to find no employees present. The employee scheduled to be working, Jessica Heeringa, was not able to be located.
Contact has been made with friends and family of 25 year old Jessica Heeringa but as of April 27, 2013 at 2:00 pm Jessica has not been located.
Jessica is described as a white female, 25 years old, 5’1 tall, approximately 110 lbs., blond shoulder length hair, and blue eyes. Jessica is also known to wear wired rim glasses. She may be wearing a blue collared shirt saying “Sternberg Exxon”.
Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near the Exxon Mobil gas station is asked to contact Silent Observer at 231-72-CRIME (231-722-7463) or call 911.
UPDATE:
Based on evidence processed from the scene and various tips that have been received, this case is now being reclassified as an abduction.
It appears that Jessica Heeringa was preparing to close the store when this incident occurred. Her purse and other belongings were found undisturbed. In addition, the store’s cash drawer was found out and no money was missing.
Investigators are currently searching for a silver minivan, possibly a Chrysler Town and Country, that was seen in the area of the Exxon station prior to Jessica’s disappearance.
The driver is described as a white male, approximately 30-40 years old, approximately 6’ tall, medium to heavy build, broad shoulders, light brown or sandy blond wavy hair parted in the middle and slightly longer on top, wearing a bright red or orange sweatshirt.
Instructions:
Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near the Exxon Mobil gas station or has any information relating to this case is asked to contact Silent Observer at 231-72-CRIME (231-722-7463) or call 911.
