4 friends missing while on weekend bike ride in Oklahoma, cops continue search
OKMULGEE, OKLAHOMA: Okmulgee Police Department announced on Wednesday, October 12 that a group of four men have gone missing since Sunday, October 9, during their weekend bike ride. The four friends Mark Chastain, 32, Billy Chastain, 30, Mike Sparks, 32, and Alex Stevens, 29, went to Oklahoma for their planned outing.
The authorities said via social media, "All four are close friends and are believed to have left Billy Chastain's home on the west side of Okmulgee on Sunday at around 8 PM. All were reportedly on bicycles. Two of the men are believed to have cell phones with them, but attempts to call go straight to voicemail," as reported by People.
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As per the records, Mark, Billy, and Mike were reported to be missing by Mark’s wife on Monday night, October 10, whereas Alex’s mother had alarmed the officials a few hours later. The police clarified that "at this point" there are no signs of foul play in the investigation, however, District 25 Violent Crime Task Force is on board and offering assistance. “Although there is no evidence to indicate violence or any foul play at this point, a small contingent from the District 25 Violent Crime Task Force is assisting which allows us to bring more resources to bear in the search," the statement read.
The authorities further shared through their Facebook post, “Investigators have spent the day conducting interviews with potential witnesses. A sighting of Steven was reported at the Smoke Shop on the south side of Okmulgee on Sunday around 4PM. He was reportedly by himself. A sighting of both Chastain men were reported to have occurred on Monday morning by a passerby near the YMCA. Investigators are working to try and confirm the sightings but currently have only witness descriptions. Mark Chastain's phone was tracked to an area south of Okmulgee but was turned off or lost power. Officers have checked that area and found no sign of any of the men.”
Mark's wife, Jessica Chastain, talked with NBC affiliate KJRH that the friends usually hung around close to home. "They don't go far — never. If they're alive, someone's holding them hostage or something. But I don't see four grown men being held hostage by one person." Mike’s fiancé Chrystal Parker shared, “I’ve called him 197 times. I’ve texted his phone, you name it."
A Task Force Meeting was to be held on Wednesday evening, October 12 to decide where to search next. The police planned on gathering and reviewing video surveillance from locations where they believe the four men travelled.