Parkersburg PD to hold a search for Gretchen Fleming this Saturday

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - UPDATE: The Parkersburg Police Dept. is still trying to find Gretchen Fleming.

The department posted on Facebook asking for volunteers to join a search party to look for her. It will be on Saturday, February 4th. That date will be two months since Gretchen was last seen at the My Way Lounge in downtown Parkersburg.

“Yes, so we’ve been in talks, I’ve been speaking with the family updating them on the last couple of weeks,” says Parkersburg police Detective James Zimmerman. “We’ve been preparing for a search. Mountaineer Area Rescue Group will be assisting us in the search.”

Gretchen’s family believes that this will be a big help. Many people on social media are reacting to the police department’s post about the search.

“Well, we’ve seen a lot on social media of how the community would like to be involved. And I think that this would be a good aspect for them to be involved and help contribute,” says Gretchen’s father, David Fleming.

The family says that the work by the police hasn’t slowed down at all to find Gretchen.

“Yeah, they’ve been tremendous,” says Fleming. “I mean they’re working around the clock on this. A lot of people don’t think that because there’s no updates that they’re not working on this. They’re working on this 24-7. In fact, they’re in communication with all of us, getting us updates and keeping us informed.”

Det. Zimmerman says other agencies are also offering help.

“Yes, it’s been a group effort. I’ve had a lot of resources,” says Det. Zimmerman. “I’ve had other people reach out to me from other agencies, from the state level to the federal level. Giving me advice, tips, resources to use. As far as our own bureau, the guys have been tremendous in helping me from the onset of the investigation. And we’re going to continue doing that until we get results for the family.”

Zimmerman says to not bring any other equipment and to dress appropriately for the search.

Interested parties should arrive at the large parking lot adjacent to the flood wall at 2nd and Avery Streets in downtown Parkersburg no later than 9:30 AM and will be required to sign in upon arrival. After meeting we will be traveling to the area to be searched. Search efforts will continue until approximately 5 p.m. and you will required to sign out upon departure.

***ORIGINAL STORY 2/1/2023 12:00 p.m.***

With the search for Gretchen Fleming continuing, the Parkersburg Police Dept. will be looking to hold a search this Saturday with volunteers.

The police department sent out a release on Facebook that it is seeking able-bodied volunteers to help with the search that will be taking place this Saturday.

Police says interested parties should arrive at the large parking lot adjacent to the flood wall at Second and Avery Street no later than 9:30 in the morning. And people will need to sign in upon arrival.

Participation will involve strenuous work in rugged, wooded terrain and possibly cold and wet weather. Volunteers must come prepared with sturdy outdoor footwear such as hiking boots (no athletic or street shoes), durable clothing and outerwear appropriate for the weather, and a small day pack with water and snacks.

The search will be going on until 5 p.m. that same day and search areas will be disclosed to those who are wanting to search.

We will have more information on this later today, as we sit down with Gretchen Fleming’s family.

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