Major search continues for missing Bend woman; no signs of foul play; father seeks more searchers
(Update: Adding video, comments from father asking people to help search)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bend police and Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies provided an update Friday on the continuing, extensive search for a missing 38-year-old Bend woman last seen the day after Christmas. And an anxious father asked more members of the public to help.
To this point, searchers have “found nothing to indicate foul play or criminal wrongdoing” in the disappearance of Melissa Rosann Trench, police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.
The DCSO Search and Rescue unit has searched more than 3,900 acres – about six square miles – several times with ground searchers, horse teams, search dogs and drones (unmanned aerial systems), officers said. That includes Shevlin Park west of Bend, where her vehicle was found, and public private foreland.
Searchers scoured the trail system, as well as off trail, and as of Thursday more than 1,200 DCSO staff hours, paid and volunteer, have been dedicated to the search, which was continuing Friday with teams out in the field.
Bend police, meanwhile, have assigned two detectives to the case who have followed up on tips from the public, examined surveillance video and also searched the area, including with drones, while analyzing cellphone data to narrow her last known location.
An investigation into cellphone and financial records continues, Miller said, and detectives have put out a request for Ring camera footage in some areas of the city.
DCSO said it is not seeking volunteers to search for Trench at this time, but both agencies ask that anyone in the area of Shevlin Park or on surrounding public lands be vigilant and report any information to the county’s non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911.
Bend police thanked the sheriff’s office and the Deschutes County SAR foundation for their assistance in the case.
Trench's father, Jim Trench, said Friday he's grateful for the efforts of law enforcement but is organizing a large weekend search, called "Bring Home Melissa."
"We're asking anybody who wants to come out and help us search," he said. "Any time you want to jog, come on, jog to Shevlin Park and come join us. We think that's the best way of searching. You know, the police had drones and dogs and horses, but the best search is boots on the floor."
Last week, SAR asked Bend and county residents in areas west of the Deschutes River to check their properties and outbuildings to assist in the search for Trench.
Police received a request about 8:50 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, for a welfare check on the 600 block of Northeast Olney Avenue for Trench, Miller said last week.
Family members reported that Trench had been acting strangely before she left home Monday evening and did not call to say she’d arrived home, as they requested, Miller said. Family members went to her house in the 600 block of Olney Avenue and also texted and called her, but got no response.
Officers tried to contact Trench, but were unsuccessful, Miller said. Shortly before 5 p.m., officers received additional information that Trench might be having suicidal ideations. Around 6 p.m., her family found her gray 2009 Acura MDX at the entrance to Shevlin Park.
Bend police are working with the sheriff's office to continue to look for Trench, but also are asking the public to be on the lookout for her as well.
Trench is described as 5-foot-11 and 135 pounds and is white, with dark blonde hair and blue eyes. She last was seen wearing a green down jacket with fur on the hood, black yoga pants and black or brown boots. She has pierced ears and an infinity symbol tattooed on her right arm.
One of the photos released Saturday was of Trench wearing that clothing, and was taken at the Bend Fred Meyer around 8 p.m. Monday, Pacheco said.
Members of the public who see Trench or have more information as asked to contact non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 or call 911.
