Gary Hilton 'person of interest' in missing Georgia woman case

Police seek 'person of interest' in case of missing Buford woman

GBI joins the search, water bottle and dog collar belonging to woman found on trail

By GEORGE CHIDI, KEN SUGIURA

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 01/02/08

The search for a missing University of Georgia graduate in the North Georgia mountains will continue until dusk, and then the situation will be reassessed, police said Thursday.

Meredith Emerson, 24, of Buford, has been missing since New Year's Day after she went hiking with her dog Ella.

Meredith Emerson

 

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Vogel State Park

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Authorities are looking for a gray-or-silver-haired man in his 60s who may have been the last person seen with Emerson, walking on the North Georgia mountain trail at Vogel State Park.

Police describe the man only as a "person of interest." They say he is about 5'10, 160 pounds and was last seen carrying a backpack and wearing a yellow jacket with black stripes and black patches on the elbow. He was walking with a red dog he called "Dandy," said Union County sheriff's office spokesperson Kimberly Verdone. Police believe he was driving a white minivan, possibly a Chevy or an Astro van.

More than 100 searchers —authorities, family members, friends and strangers— assembled at the parks visitor's center to search for Emerson, who grew up in Longmont, Colo.

Volunteers were being sent out in teams of 20 in hopes of finding the hiker, a 2005 Georgia graduate who majored in French and works as a sales manager for Progress Container and Display in Winder.

Those who knew the mountain best and could give medical attention were sent out first in "hasty teams," said Union County Fire Department First Lt. Brad Niebrand.

Most of the volunteers did not know Emerson personally but her parents, who flew in from Colorado on Wednesday, were among those searching.

"She's responsible and bright," said Peggy Bailey, of Athens, Emerson's godmother. "Her parents are tremendously worried."

Police have confirmed that a water bottle and dog leash found near a hiking trail in North Georgia belonged to Emerson.

Police say Emerson went hiking about 11 a.m. Tuesday with her dog Ella. She was last seen between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Family members said Emerson is single, 5'4", 120 pounds and an athlete.