OTTAWA CO. -- A 36-year-old Holland woman has been missing since she left for a "retreat" in Traverse City on February 14.
The Holland Department of Public Safety says Emelene Joy VanDyke was last seen by her neighbor and last heard from after sending a text message around 6 p.m. on February 14 after she purchased a new car from a local dealership and withdrew a significant amount of money from her bank.
Holland police say VanDyke appeared to be alone in all surveillance photos and there was no indication from anyone that spoke to her that she was acting suspicious.
An investigation has revealed that camping gear is missing from VanDyke's home, but there is no indication of where she might have gone.
Investigators are concerned for VanDyke's well-being, as her cell phone and debit card have not been used since she disappeared.
Police say she had taken scheduled time off from her work and was due back at work on February 19 but she did not show up.
VanDyke's employer contacted her ex-husband, who has legal custody of her three children, to report that she did not come into work. Her ex-husband then reported her as missing to police.
She was last seen driving a grey four-door 2013 Hyundai Accent with a Michigan license plate number CGE1862. She has sandy blonde hair and hazel colored eyes. VanDyke is approximately 5'7" and around 200 pounds.
Anyone with any information about this case is urged to call the Holland Department of Public Safety at 616-355-1100 or the detectives on the case at 616-355-1150, or by email at policetips@cityofholland.com. Those wishing to stay anonymous can call the Silent Observer at 1-877-877-4536.
