Michigan Mom Disappears, Police Label Case 'Abduction'
A Michigan mother, who disappeared before the end of her late-night shift at a gas station, is now believed to have been abducted. Jessica Heeringa, the mother of a three-year-old son, left 15 minutes before her shift was over, and now her mother is pleading for anyone with information to come forward.
"I'm sure she was abducted," Jessica's mother, Shelly, told Michigan Live. "There was no struggle. She was cleaning a machine, she left her car keys, and no money was taken from the gas station."
Shelly believes a regular customer possibly "lured Jessica out the back and shoved her in the back of a van," she added. That theory may be supported by an unconfirmed report that an eyewitness saw Jessica "walk out of the store with this guy like there was no problem," but struggled when they got to his van.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
North Shores Police Chief Daniel Shaw noted that the police are currently looking for a silver minivan, possibly a Chrysler Town and Country, that was seen in the area at the time of Jessica's disappearance.
There were no surveillance cameras at the gas station, so police are relying on anyone with information to come forward. Shelly Heeringa has been busy passing out fliers, and customers went to the gas station over the weekend to pick up more fliers and help in the search.
"I didn't know her," Derek Antol told Michigan Live. "I didn't even know her name until this," he added, even though he went to the gas station several times per week. "But she was always very sweet, a friendly gal. I hope if it was my kid, people would show up here to support me. I am very surprised that people aren't here."
Antol has offered a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest.
"If somebody did take her, I wish they would just drop her some place so she could come home," Shelly told ABC News. "She's just a hard-working girl. She was trying to support her child. She was trying to get her life going and she just needs to come home."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Silent Observer at 231-722-7463 or simply call 911.
