COOPERSVILLE, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Aug. 19, 2022) – The search continues for a 28-year-old Coopersville man who has been missing for nearly six days.
In an initial announcement on Monday by Ottawa County Sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Jeremy Baum, Erik Johnson hadn’t been seen since around 5 PM on Sunday. His last known whereabouts was first thought to be in the area of the 300 block of Ottawa Avenue, and although Johnson doesn’t own a vehicle, detectives at this point didn’t believe that foul play was involved.
In a Friday morning update, Sheriff’s Detective Captain Jake Sparks said, “Detectives have continued the investigation throughout the week and have discovered additional evidence via video surveillance systems in the area. Based on this information, Mr. Johnson is known to have last been in the 400 block of Danforth St. at approximately 3:30 AM on Sunday. Johnson was last seen headed north from that area.
“Acting on this information, the Ottawa County Search and Rescue Team completed a thorough search of nearby wooded, field and railroad track areas on Wednesday. The SAR team had previously searched areas around Deer Creek, east and west of Center Street, on Tuesday. Five police canines were also used to search large wooded areas nearby on Wednesday. Sheriff’s Deputies conducted aerial searches using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle on Monday and Wednesday.
“On Thursday, Sheriff’s Investigators were assisted by Michigan State Police Aviation, who responded with a helicopter and conducted an aerial search of the area for several hours. Mr. Johnson’s whereabouts are still unknown and he has not been located.
“It is believed that Mr. Johnson was disoriented and may have sought shelter from the weather on Sunday. The public is asked to check in, around or under any outbuildings, camper trailers or vehicles stored on their property.”
Anyone with any information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Ottawa County Central Dispatch (800-249-0911) or Ottawa County Silent Observer (877-887-45368).
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