Police search park, Larch Mtn. for missing Gresham woman
»Play Video
GRESHAM, Ore. – Authorities searched a park in Clackamas County and also Larch Mountain Wednesday in connection with a Gresham woman's Tuesday disappearance.
Police searched a heavily wooded area of Dodge Park, north of Sandy, Wednesday afternoon for 21-year-old Whitney Heichel. They also searched Larch Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge.
Investigators said Heichel's SUV was seen in the area.
Heichel did not show up to work Tuesday morning at Starbucks. Gresham police called her disappearance "suspicious."
Her Ford Explorer was found abandoned at around 11 a.m. Tuesday in the parking lot of the Wood Village Walmart at 23500 N.E. Sandy Boulevard. The passenger side window was smashed and the tires were muddy.
Police believe the Explorer may have been in the east Multnomah County area, east of Gresham and possibly in Sandy between 6:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. that day.
On Wednesday, searchers scoured Dodge Park, moving from the river banks to the brush. By the side of the road investigators marked, examined and documented tire tracks in the mud.
They also marked areas with red tape where they found broken window glass.
It's unclear if police have found any clues in the park that are related to Heichel's disappearance.
Whitney's husband, Clint, said they live only a couple of minutes away from where his wife works at Starbucks. He last saw his wife Tuesday morning before she drove to work for her 7 a.m. shift.
"She got ready, her normal thing, got up and just kissed me goodbye and I kind of woke up and said 'bye, I'll see you when you get home,'" he said. "And then about 8:15 her boss called me."
Police said Whitney Heichel's ATM card was used Tuesday morning at a Shell gas station at 257th and SE Stark Street.
All Clint Heichel is left with are clues like surveillance video from that gas station where her ATM card was used.
"Not having her around is just overwhelming and it's hit met like a ton of bricks," he said Wednesday.
He has no idea why she never made it to work or what happened to her.
"She would have definitely done her best to get away or make it known that something was happening to her she didn't agree with," he said.
But he said everyone is doing the best they can to bring Whitney home.
"I love her, and that I really miss her," said Whitney's friend, Bridgett Ebeling. "I'd like to see her soon and give her a hug and won't let go for awhile."
"It's a very hard process and it's very emotionally taxing, but we will not give up till you are found," said Clint. "That's an absolute truth."
Police said they won't know whether they'll be back searching those areas again until Thursday morning. They also plan on doing two briefings a day, starting Thursday. One briefing will be held in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
They are asking anyone who may have seen the SUV during that time to call the Gresham Police Department tip line at 503-618-2719.
She wasn't going to Larch park. He was taking her to that area past lewis and clark that we used to refer to as the thousand acre woods. That time of day not many people would have been there. Then he left the car at walmart which was a straight one exit shot down the freeway. that gas station on 257th is pretty much the last gas station going that way if he was headed in that direction.Â
I think its someone who frequented her work location. She was probably cordial to the person and maybe by just being "nice" to a customer it made her a target. She looks so precious and sweet, my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. I can't even imagine the torment this poor family must be going through! They know what the future holds for all of mankind, and if anything has happened, and I hope it hasn't, they also know that this dear girl, no matter what, is safe, if not in this system of things, then she is safe in God's memory and has a firm hold on real life in the future! Sending heartfelt LOVE to you all!
I just need to say, yes suspecting the husband is something investigators must do in circumstances like these, but for the public to have a critical opinion about how her husband responds the second day she is missing. I can't imagine the shock and confusion of emotions he has to be feeling-I'm sure it's all so unbelievable and surreal to him and I really wish there was more compassion here. I'm sure he never prepared for his wife to be missing and doesn't know what to do. I know anything is possible, but when he's the first one to call for help and showing his face in the media like he is...to me that's not suspicious. I've had him on my heart the day I heard about this and I needed to back him up. There are good husbands out there and I believe he's one of them.Â
I think that someone hi-jacked her by weapon and told her that they wouldn't hurt her if she co-operated. She believed them. When she realized that they were driving her to a secluded spot, she realized what was going on. Once the hi-jacker parked and got out of the car, she locked the doors and then the hi-jacker had to break the window to get her out... My hope is that she was somehow able to escape and is lost in the woods but safe from the attacker.
Does anyone know where I can join a search party and help distribute flyers?
Â
Is this a situation that could have been avoided if our eyes had been wide open?Â
Â
If we all paid attention to what was going on around us and resisted the "I don't want to get involved", "I don't have time, I'm in a hurry", "It's none of my business", we would not have our current high crime rates. However, we should practice this safely. If it is a situation that you feel is unsafe or are concerned about being involved in, call the police! The police DO take anonymous tips and act upon them. You can remain uninvolved but still help by getting a good look at a perpetrators height-weight-clothing-hair-distinct markings (aiding the police with identification), get a vehicle description and license plate number (and the direction being traveled, if a vehicle is in motion), stay at a scene to witness it and then CALL the police anonymously, pay attention when something doesn't seem or feel right, or check on suspicious noises.... just to name a few.
Â
As our children are now taught about bullying, most times a situation will stop if the perpetrator sees that they are being critically  watched or someone has said something to them! It will send the message that you DO NOT agree with what is happening. Just staying nearby and not ignoring strange or offensive behaviors and situations sends a message. If you continue on with your day, without a backwards glance, a perpetrator will feel bolder, (maybe even invincible), and maybe even that you are on his/her side!
Â
Always remain safe and remember that there IS strength in numbers... stop others and alert them or ask for some type of help. I have always found that people WILL stop and help others if asked . None of us want to let something bad happen to each other if we can help it!
Â
To the family and friends of Whitney, my prayers go out to you. I hope we find her soon!
Â
Again, anyone who knows how I can help, please reply.
These are just a few points which occur to me, as a former legal investigator:
1. The Wal-Mart where the SUV was abandoned is not exactly in a convenient spot, if you don't have waiting transportation. So whoever left it there, either (a) had a vehicle standing by, possibly with an accomplice, (b) walked to the nearest bus stop (which bus doesn't come all that often and usually has only a few passengers, or (c) lives in the area.
2. If - and I want to emphasize "if" - the husband is involved, then the early morning time-frame the cops are asking folks to recollect may be completely irrelevant, as he would have had all night to do whatever he was doing.
3. I don't actually think that he was involved however - the broken window and the condition of the SUV when it was found would point to a stranger abduction; additionally, he reported it fairly quickly and just as quickly involved her friends in making and distributing posters.
4. Whoever left the SUV at Wal-Mart could not have anticipated it would be found that quickly by her friends. Normally, it wouldn't be noticed until the store had closed for the day and security started making outdoor rounds.
5. They're not searching Dodge Park and Larch Mountain just for grins and giggles; they clearly have some indicators - be it the type of mud on the car or GPS or cell phone trace records or something else - that's impelled them towards these two spots. Unfortunately, given the number of car prowls which occur in both locations, they're going to be looking at a lot of broken glass on the ground, before - and if - they find some that matches the window on the SUV.
I do hope they find her unharmed - there is, of course, always the possibility that she had some kind of breakdown and vanished deliberately - but the longer this goes on with no resolution, the worse it's beginning to look. In the long run, all most of us can do is pray for her safe return.
 @Mick Wagner That particular Wal Mart is a 24 hr store, which is why I find it very odd that someone would risk going there at all
I've wrestled with those same thoughts, however tonight I am left wondering why the policeman who spoke at the afternoon briefing said they have the face from video however its not beneficial to the investigation to release it to the publice? Also, there is a news article stating that what was found at Dodge park is very relevant (sp) and that it tells a story.
Â
Im curious what your take on those two things are...
 @LittleWing Might not be beneficial to release the face image to the public so as not to tip off accomplices etc. who might harbor him unwittingly and then wish to continue harboring this perp once they know he is on the lam. Stealth can pay off for the cops.
I have not seen any of the videos prior to the news update, but to me the hubby looks like he is in deep shock with a major case of disbelief.
Stranger on Stranger is RARE, but it DOES happen.
I pray and hope for her safe return.
How dare you all point fingers at her husband just because he doesn't show enough emotion to satisfy your "ideals" of how he should act. All people handle a stress or trauma like this differently. Ever hear of shock? Extreme emotional stress can do a number on people. The poor man is in shock that the love of his life is missing. My dad committed suicide a year ago and I was the same way. Emotionless, stoic, and able to deal with all the details. It took a few days for me to realize what just happened. Does that mean I was guilty of anything more than loving him? No. I imagine it is the same for this young man. In one day his whole world has been shattered and irrevocably changed. Leave her husband alone and let the police do their job. To all the people who think they deserve answers, you don't know Whitney, or her family. What makes you privy to all the details? Nothing. Get a hobby and stop watching CSI. If you want to be involved, do something proactive like hand out fliers.Â
@MrsP007 I knew we were right. I know I could just feel it. My heart is broken for him and her family.....
 @MrsP007 You said it so well! I'm praying for her WHOLE family including her husband! I am a 21 year old wife that has been married for two years and I think my husband would handle things the EXACT same way...trying to be strong and hopeful but also not lying to himself about what may have happened. I hope he can get the support and sympathy that he needs rather than people playing crime scene investigators and harshly accusing when they are certainly not educated enough on the situation to do so.
 @MrsP007 I agree.  When my husband went missing (due to a diabetic issue), he did not return home from work as he said he would.  Throughout the night, thoughts were racing through my head from him having left me, or being dead at that matter. When adrenaline like that comes over you, you tend to grab the reins of sanity and hold on as tight as you can, before all the negative scenarios overcome you with grief.  There were times, where I was bawling to a cop, as I reported him missing, only to have the officer tell me that I had to wait 72 hours in order to file a report. After that, I collected myself, and thought that if the cops weren't going to help me, I'd have to do it on my own.  So with that, I calmly went through all the possibilities, until I was able to find that he was checked into a local hospital.  Putting the blame on individuals right now, that are based only on what the usual turnout is for such cases, is only going to hinder the investigation.  Find out all the facts before jumping to conclusions!
Â
 @MrsP007 ~ I agree..!  I think too m any people have a preconceived notion of how people are supposed to act when they're under stress or grieving...and that misconception probably comes mostly from TV and movies.  There are as many different reactions to grief and stress as there are people on the planet, and they run from one extreme to the other.
Â
If something bad has, in fact, happened to Whitney ~ and IF it is proven in court beyond a reasonable doubt that her husband had anything to do with it, I'll donate for the rope to hang him. Â Unless and until that happens, though, he is innocent until proven guilty..! Â Â
Â
We're always after our government "leaders" to remember - and FOLLOW - our Constitution. Â Â We need to do the same..!
@MrsP007 I so agree!! I don't believe he has anything to do with her disappearance. His emotions were way to raw and real. I'm praying for all of them!!
 @MsMeT  @MrsP007 I didn't even see this post! But I so agree with you on this, thank you for posting this.Â
Sounds more like she planned an escape route. She could have bailed at the gas station, I would have if I was in the car against my will.
In the news conference, Whitney's mother bounced between referring to her daughter in the present tense and the past tense. According to statement analysis experts, parents are the last to give up hope for a lost child -- her referring to her daughter in the past tense is hinky.  (Example: "... She loved her husband. She loves her family.")
Â
The husband was unable to make a public statement at the news conference, and instead broke down -- I saw no evidence of actual tears or a wet tissue, but the camera on him was mostly obscured. However, the Gresham Police Chief could be heard on the open mic, whispering to the husband that he need not say anything at all. I think if the Police Chief had Clint under any real suspicion, wouldn't he have encouraged the husband to make a public statement?
 @BrowncoatWhit Use of past or present tense, mixed, is not uncommon in people in general under any kind of stress so it's not hinky...it's just "people".
 @BrowncoatWhit I have an incredible sixth sense connection to all members of my family. When my grandfather died, I suddenly woke up (i was 80 miles away and 10 years old) and couldn't sleep. Right before my grandmother called us, I had this overwhelming sensation of nausea and terror and sadness and then the phone rang. I have had gut feelings on a couple occasions my husband was laid off--and I can sense if my children have hurt themselves. So, for Whitney's mom to be doing what she is doing...it is possible she senses Whitney is no longer alive and it correcting herself, trying to maintain hope. Or maybe she's so shocked she doesn't know what she's saying.
The young lady did not just vanish,she is somewhere.Please not another Kyron case !!!. I wish they would detain husband and question him untill he gives up the truth.Then at least her family would have peace.Clint be a man,do the right thing and let her loved ones be at peace.
 @Tami Chavez people the dam police said stranger 2 stranger is not common...you see more over n over again that a boyfriend or spouse involved...
 @Missy Shroyer  @Tami Chavez good thing these two aren't on the case. They wouldn't be considering all possibilities like a good detective should do. You two should probably read a book before posting something you know nothing about on the internet and publicly displaying your lack of intelligence. Stranger to stranger abductions go way back, and continue to happen, not that this is for sure stranger to stranger, but it doesn't mean it's her husband either.Â
 @Missy Shroyer  @Tami Chavez But stranger to stranger crime DOES still happen everyday anyway. Just look at Jaycee Dugard and any number of news stories on K2 in even the last 12 months.
 @Tami Chavez Your statement is about as moronic as this:
Â
"I wish they would detain Tami Chavez and question her until she gives up the truth! Then at least her family would have peace. Tami, have a heart, do the right thing and let her loved ones be at peace."
 @Tami Chavez Tami Chavez, you are a moron.
 @Tami Chavez If Tami Chavez knows so much about this case maybe the police should be investigating her !!!!
 @Tami Chavez ~  If you have solid evidence proving that Whitney's husband is responsible for her disappearance, I'm sure that the police would be MOST appreciative if you would share it with them. Â
Â
In the absence of such evidence, your post is extremely cruel and unfeeling.
@Tami Chavez you are an idiot......
 @Tami Chavez What do you know? People disappear every day and are never found. It is very possible that individuals who are related to Whitney read this thread so why don't you show a wee bit o class and NOT run your mouth or your opinions on who did it until they find Whitney or find evidence proving someone's guilt? I think the gas station attendant in the article pretty much proved beyond a doubt that Whitney was in the passenger seat of the car with a man not her husband driving in a rush. Should we accuse you of kidnapping her and leave the burden of proof on you? INNOCENT until PROVEN GUILTY.Â
OMG!!! The news update when her husband couldn't speak - completely broke my heart! Please find this girl!!!
I guess we'll have to get all the facts of the case from Nancy Grace....
Just a little update....they do not believe she even made it to the first gas station......that gives the person or persons responsible 2 1/2 hours to do something with her....could there have been 2 people involved??? Probably!Â
 @Charlie19 What do you mean they don't believe she made it to the first gas station? Wasn't there an eyewitness who worked at the gas station who stated that he saw her in the car with a man?
Lets see what the Police Department has to say @10. Lets hope for good news!
Prime suspects the last to see her, husband, former boyfriend or coworker. Most victims are known by their attacker. Stranger to stranger is not as common as one might think. Obviously the police do not think she simply got on a bus/train/airplane and left her situation.
 @FreerideNOT But stranger-to-stranger happens all the time anyway, though in lesser numbers. Jaycee Dugard and any number of abductees, rape victims, murder victims in just the last year in national news proves it is not as uncommon as you want to believe.
 @FreerideNOT i agree
I agree Kiki, I don't believe it's the husband either. They are so young and they look so happy together in all the photos I've seen. This is heartbreaking. There have been far too many missing people all over our country in the lst couple of years - this is crazy! This little thing only worked 2-5 minutes from home - it would be nice to think that she never would have come into trouble in that amount of time or distance. I am so praying for her safe return and for stregnth for her family - I cannot even begin to imagine. I know once when my daughter was 3 she got out of my site for just 30 seconds and I just about stopped breathing, my heart just hurts for all involved....
I don't think it was the husband, and I'm definitely not blaming him BUT while watching him on the news it just... it was weird. It kind of threw me off when he said she was "just starting her life"and that it was sad to end already (something along those lines) then quickly said i mean i hope she's ok etc... but already assuming with that much lack of emotion? He's either still in crazy shock or maybe he's like Dexter :)Â
Se Cochran Dr is behind the Heatherwood apts where she lived. That street is totally full of cars from the apt dwellers. I lived there for the last 3 years. I have seen glass on the road from many car windows being smashed in. I am betting she interrupted someone being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I would never consider parking on that street. Some people actually park on the side of hwy 26. Those areas are invitations to trouble. Some people are already blaming the husband, too sad.
Â
Ummm.... Anyone ever see all the high definition camaras ALL OVER Wallmart parking lots? They have seen who did what in the lot.
 @BDOGG That's what I said. That Wal Mart is 24/7, so I find it strange that someone would go there with her in the vehicle, unless they just weren't too intelligent, but I would think they could at least look at the surveillance cameras and see someone getting out of her vehicle and which direction they went in, or if they got into another vehicle. Seems very strange to me.Â
If a person wanted to transfer something from one vehicle to another the person might back the vehicle into the parking spot so as to avoid someone seeing what they are moving. With the vehicle backed in this way the door would hide the transfer.
Â
Maybe someone locked the keys in the car and had to break the window to get them.
Â
She may have been approached from the passenger side and a bad guy broke the window to unlock the door.
Â
The window may have been broken by the husband to create confusion IF he is responsible for her disappearance. I only say that because it is a possibility.
Okay here's my thought. If they saw the vehicle with a male driver pulled into a few gas stations and she was the passenger, why didnt she just open the passenger door and scream and do whatever she could to alert the fuel pump attendant that she was being abducted. She could have bailed out of the vehicle while waiting to get the gas. Just a thought. I am praying and praying she is brought home safe. Please god, give us a holiday miracle.....
Â
 @allsevenofus you are right
 @allsevenofus maybe she was being threatened with a gun? Fear really messes with people's minds and focus.
 @allsevenofus why? Don't know I wasn't there.
I so often read cases like this and want to comment but shy away from it. I tried to leave this, not wanting to get involved, but I kept getting called back. I have a gift, for what its worth.Â
Â
So someone abducted Whit and drove her to the woods because he "couldn't get her to listen to him". He wasn't intending to go to those EXACT woods, he was just driving/ranting. Not a stranger abduction but someone she knew casually, like a regular Starbucks customer with an obsession. Watch video for the past month/month+ and see the pattern of people in and out, who talked to her for longer than the span of time it takes to take an order and make the transaction. So who used to come in all the time but hasn't come in since Whit's disappearance.Â
So the big question: Is Whit still with us? All the usual tags I get when someone has passed aren't around this. I feel panic. I feel a big sense of being 'let down', like being betrayed.
 My prayers are with the family and Whit. Stay strong now for each other's sake. And know you've a community of strangers searching for and supporting you.Â
Â
Â
@Psy Rebel  A customer with an obsessive crush is probably as good a guess as any.Â