Police Get 1,000 Tips In Gas Station Clerk Abduction

NORTON SHORES (WWJ) – Tips are still pouring in now more than a week since the disappearance of a Muskegon County woman.

In a live interview on WWJ Newsradio 950 on Sunday, Norton Shores Police Chief Daniel Shaw said they've received more than 1,000 tips in the case of 25-year-old Jessica Heeringa, who was abducted from a gas station where she had been working.

"We're taking the high priority tips first; we're tracking down the people, or the vehicle that's been described to us, and then making sure that that vehicle or person was not involved. And if they were, trying to find out more about what they know about this incident," Shaw said.

Hear the complete interview: 

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Shaw said their task force remains vigilant and he believes they will find Heerenga and bring her home safely. Although, he said, time is not on their side.

"And we just know every minute that goes by it's going to be more difficult to do that. And we want to bring a quick resolution to the family because  of the pain and suffering that they're going through now," Shaw said.

Shaw said the incident has others in the community on alert.

"I think, from what I've heard, it's made people a little bit more aware of safety-type issues," Shaw said. "I've heard that people are, you know, keeping an eye on their children a little bit more and valuing what they have with their family."

Meantime, there are bills being proposed in Lansing that would provide tax breaks for stores that have surveillance video. Shaw said that would be a win-win.

The gas station Heeringa was abducted from didn't have any cameras.

"I think that anything that assists in crime prevention or assists in gaining evidence would be welcome. You bet," Shaw said.

Investigators say they have talked to several persons of interest, but haven't made any arrests.

Police say there were no signs of a struggle or robbery, and they found Heeringa's purse and belongings in the gas station. Investigators are searching for a silver minivan, possibly a Chrysler Town and Country, that was seen in the area of the Exxon station before Heeringa's disappearance. The case is being treated as an abduction.

Anyone who may information is asked to contact Silent Observer at 231-72-CRIME or call 911.

MORE:  Mich. Considers Surveillance Law After Gas Station Clerk Vanishes