Missing Caruthersville woman’s vehicle found in Arkansas

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. — Michele Bell of Caruthersville has been missing since Monday night, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol missing persons list.

The 36-year-old woman was last seen Monday night from an overpass north of Haiti, Missouri, where she was reported to have been traveling south on Interstate 55, according to Caruthersville Police Department assistant chief of police Jerry Hudgens.

The assistant chief of police said officers answered a call to her residence in Caruthersville on Sunday night.

Later, the woman was seen in Pemiscot County north of Haiti on Monday where she reportedly walked away from her car saying she saw something in her vehicle, according to Hudgens. Bell then returned to her vehicle and continued driving.

Family members searching for Bell told Hudgens they located the missing woman’s vehicle, which was found inoperable at I-55 southbound exit 35 near Joiner, Arkansas, late last night, but could not confirm any additional sightings of Bell.

“That’s what we’re trying to confirm -- who’s seen her there?” Hudgens said. “Obviously her car is there, but at this time, we are basically following up on everything here and hoping to coordinate with and get more information from the Arkansas lead agency so that we can gather all the facts and hopefully locate her.”

The investigation is a joint effort between the Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Department and the Caruthersville Police Department, with assistance from agencies in Arkansas, according to Hudgens.

Due to the fact her vehicle was found out of state, Hudgens said departments in Arkansas will be the lead agency on the investigation in that area.

Hudgens encouraged members of the public to contact the Caruthersville Police Department at (573) 333-2121 or the Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Office at (573) 333-4101 with any information regarding the missing woman.