Gretchen Fleming: Person of interest in woman's disappearance is allegedly ex-law enforcement officer
PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA: Police are desperately probing for missing Gretchen Fleming, 28, who was last seen leaving the 'My Way' Lounge in Parkersburg, West Virginia, with an older man on December 4. The West Virginia musician was only reported missing by her relatives on Monday, December 12. While the police have not released the person of interest's name, WTAP has confirmed that the person Fleming was seen with is 55-year-old Preston Pierce of Parkersburg. He also went by the name Darrell Lott.
Furthermore, cops have obtained search warrants for the man's car, home, electronics, and other homes under his name after learning Fleming was last seen with him. Also, eerie new details about the person of interest revealed he is a former law enforcement officer at multiple departments in West Virginia, according to Eyewitness News. Until now, no one has been charged, and no arrests have been made in the 28-year-old's mysterious disappearance.
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The unidentified person of interest is believed to have a law enforcement career that spanned about 12 years which came to end with a stint at the Belington Police Department in Barbour County. Moreover, suspected human remains that were discovered in Elm Grove, about two hours outside of Parkersburg, the location of Fleming's disappearance, are not believed to be of the victim. Police Chief Matt Board said the remains were found after a request from another out-of-state agency. He added that there is no reason or evidence that suggests the remains belonged to Fleming.
Fleming's dad David Fleming has made a heartbreaking plea saying, “She is an amazing little girl. She’s very independent. You know, she’s my little girl." "Everybody that came in sight with her loved her," he told WTAP. "She was unique and personable and had a great personality and she’s just a great kid." David added, “I’m hoping for the best. And I love my little girl. I just want her home.”
Police have also requested all residents in the area to check surveillance and Ring door footage for a vehicle that may have traveled through the Parkersburg area around the early hours of December 4 to noon on December 5. A reward of $15,000 has been offered for information leading to the disappearance of Fleming or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved. Anyone with information is urged to call the Parkersburg Police Department at 304-424-8444.