Gomez search investigators comb Knott Landfill for evidence

(Update: Landfill searched; ex-boyfriend in court; missing woman’s mother speaks)

Bend and Oregon State Police investigators were at Knott Landfill on Thursday, searching through trash piles for evidence in the more than week-old disappearance of Sara Gomez, 24, of Bend, while her ex-boyfriend made his first court appearance on charges of violating a restraining order.

Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel also was at the landfill, later telling NewsChannel 21: “We’re searching all over this county for Sara, including Knott Landfill, where we were today.”

Meanwhile, Bend police issued a plea Thursday for residents in an area east of town to check their property for anything suspicious.

“During the course of this investigation, we have found information that has led detectives to believe there could be evidence related to Sara Gomez’s disappearance east of Bend,” police Lt. Clint Burleigh said.

“We are asking residents who live east of Hamby and Ward roads to check their property for anything suspicious,” he said. “We are asking to check abandoned structures, open fields, ponds and other water sources. We are asking for residents to check for tire tracks, shoe prints or anything out of the ordinary. “

Anyone who finds anything suspicious is urged to contact Bend Police Department detectives at 541-693-6911.

Gomez, who was last seen leaving her workplace, the Bend North Albertsons, late Monday, Feb. 19, has been the subject of extensive searches by police, friends and family.

Her ex-boyfriend, Bryan Penner, 31, was arrested two days later in a raid on his apartment and held on charges of violating an active restraining order involving Gomez. Police said evidence tied to the disappearance was found at his apartment, and Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel has said prosecutors believe Penner was the only person involved in her disappearance.

Penner, who faces two counts of contempt of court , appeared by video hookup from the county jail Thursday for his initial hearing before Circuit Judge Michael Adler.

Family and friends packed the courtroom, some wearing “Stay Strong Sara” T-shirts and purple ribbons.

Penner pleaded not guilty to the two counts, and a trial date has been set for April.

Dina Kuhn, Gomez’s mother, spoke to NewsChannel 21 after the court hearing. She said she was interested in speaking with Penner and may visit him in jail.

When asked what would she tell him, she replied: “Where is she at? Where is she at? And to bring her to us.”

Late Saturday, police released two photos of a sea-foam green 2004 Chevy Malibu with a Carolina Panthers sticker on it and asked anyone who had seen the car between Feb. 18 and Feb. 21 to contact them.