PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — Parkersburg Police are seeking volunteers to help find a Wood County woman who went missing almost two months ago.
Gretchen Fleming, 28, was last seen leaving the My Way Lounge and Restaurant in downtown Parkersburg on Dec. 4, 2022. Her family reported her missing on Dec. 12.
In a Facebook post Wednesday, police said “a large-scale search effort” will take place Saturday. Volunteers who want to help are asked to arrive in the large parking lot adjacent to the flood wall at 2nd and Avery Streets in downtown Parkersburg no later than 9:30 a.m.
The group of volunteers will then travel to the area to be searched until about 5 p.m. Saturday.
Search efforts will involve “strenuous work in rugged, wooded terrain and possibly cold and wet weather,” according to police. Volunteers are urged to wear sturdy outdoor footwear such as hiking boots, durable clothing and to bring a small pack of snacks and water.
A $65,000 reward is being offered in the case. Half the reward money is being offered to anyone with information concerning Fleming’s physical location. The other half of the reward is for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in Fleming’s disappearance of physical harm to her.
Police previously reported a person of interest in the case, but have not released the name of the person since they have not been charged with a crime.
Police said the person of interest owns a black Nissan Rogue.
Fleming is between 5′ and 5’2″ tall and weighs 100-120 lbs. She has brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact lead Detective James Zimmerman at 304-424-1072 or the Parkersburg Police Department at 304-424-8444.