Indiana Cops Seek Truck In Search For Missing College Student Lauren Spierer
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A mysterious truck is now the focus of the grueling search for a missing college student from Westchester County.
Bloomington, Ind., police released surveillance pictures of the truck and what is believed to be the last known photo of Lauren Spierer, taken the night she disappeared, reports CBS 2's Derricke Dennis.
It's a small break in the case – a white, four-door Chevy pickup caught on surveillance video, twice, the same night and in the same neighborhood where 20-year-old Spierer disappeared 12 days ago.
"We're talking a very close proximity to the location where Lauren was last seen," Bloomington police Capt. Joe Qualters said. "We basically have this vehicle, in the same area, twice."
The last image of her, also on surveillance, shows the young woman leaving her apartment on June 3. Her father is holding on to that picture and holding on to hope.
"She's a happy, smiling, beautiful young lady, on her way out for the evening to meet with friends. That's the Lauren we've been looking for," Robert Spierer said.
Friends, classmates, and even strangers of the Indiana University student have been canvassing her neighborhood, passing out flyers and asking for information.
"We kind of went above and beyond our measures and our boundaries," classmate Kenny Peyton said.
"Just wake up every morning and hope for the best," roommate Hadar Tamir said.
Police do have at least three persons of interest -- three male friends of Lauren's who were among the last to see her. All have lawyers.
Meanwhile, police have turned their attention to the truck and the mystery driver behind the wheel.
"Hopefully someone can provide information to us," Capt. Qualters said.
The police are looking for information that may or may not be the answer to Lauren Spierer's whereabouts.
"We miss her terribly. She's very dear to us, and we love her very much," Robert Spierer said.
So far, the search has stayed within Bloomington, focused on a quarter mile from Lauren Spierer's apartment, but the longer she's missing the more police will consider expanding the search.
Her parents are in Indiana pleading for any information.
Below is a detailed description of the vehicle:
White
A 4-door Chevrolet Silverado full-size truck or a Chevrolet Colorado mid-size truck
Mid-2000 year model
Short bed with a bed liner and possible equipment in the back
Distinctive wheels
Company writing or logo on side doors
Possible writing on rear quarter panel near tailgate
Anyone with information about this vehicle or the owner is urged to contact the Bloomington Police Department at 812-339-4477 or by e-mail at policetips@bloomington.in.gov
Please offer your thoughts in the comments section below.
