State and local authorities are still conducting a search for Samuel J. Wiater, the Athens man who was reported missing Thursday night by his mother.
A release from the Athens Police
Department described an intense search effort that started Thursday night and stretched into Friday.
“They
apparently are searching the Hocking River for a body,” said Lt. Anne Ralston of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, which assisted in the search by providing a helicopter for use in search efforts.
Wiater, 21, is described as “a white male, 6-feet-1-inch tall, approximately 175 pounds, thin build, with long reddish brown hair and hazel/green eyes,” according to the release.
He was last seen wearing blue jeans, black tennis shoes and a blue Baja hoodie.
There was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the public, Athens Police Capt. Ralph Harvey said in a press release.
“We are continuing to investigate this incident, have not ruled out any possibilities and ask that citizens remain observant,” Harvey said.
Officers suspect Wiater headed toward the Hocking River after leaving his residence at approximately 9:30 p.m., Thursday. His vehicle was located near the bike path on Currier Street.
Officers have searched the area on foot and have been assisted by Hocking County Sheriff’s Office Bloodhound K-9 unit. APD has been working in conjunction with Athens Fire Department and Athens County Specialized Response and Recovery Team to search the Hocking River by boat and on the river bank.
OUPD, the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol joined officers from APD in the search operations.
Police ask that anyone with information concerning Wiater’s whereabouts, or who have observed a subject matching the description, call APD at (740)593-6606.
@JOSHJAME
JJ360410@ohiou.edu
