Dayton police seek public’s help in ‘very suspicious’ missing person investigation

SUV of woman last seen in Trotwood found in Middletown.
Cierra J. Chapman was last seen on Dec. 27, 2022, leaving a Trotwood apartment. Dayton police are asking for the public's help locating Chapman. Photo courtesy Dayton Police Department.

Cierra J. Chapman was last seen on Dec. 27, 2022, leaving a Trotwood apartment. Dayton police are asking for the public's help locating Chapman. Photo courtesy Dayton Police Department.

Dayton police are asking for the public’s help to find a missing woman who was last seen in late December.

Cierra J. Chapman, 30, was last seen when she met her ex-boyfriend at an apartment on Autumn Woods Drive in Trotwood, said Dayton police Maj. Brian Johns. Her SUV, a silver 2014 Cadillac SRX, was seen on video leaving the area around 4:30 a.m. Dec. 27.

Chapman stands 5 feet, 5 inches and weighs approximately 115 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes.

Chapman’s sister reported her missing on Dec. 29 and her SUV was found on Jan. 6 in Middletown. Her purse and other personal items were in the SUV, according to police.

“We’re just trying to find her and bring her home. Her family’s very worried about her, as are we,” said Johns. “This is very strange behavior for her. We’re worried that something bad has happened to her.”

Dayton police Maj. Brian Johns holds up a photo Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, of Cierra J. Chapman a missing person last seen on Dec. 27, 2022. MARSHALL GORBY \STAFF

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Chapman’s ex-boyfriend gave a statement to police over the phone, Johns said.

“They recently broke up,” the major said. “They were going to do an exchange of items.”

Chapman did not have ties to the Middletown area and it’s not clear why her vehicle was there.

“She is not from Middletown and really had no reason to be in Middletown,” Johns said. “We have absolutely no reason why she’d be in Middletown.”

Investigators have processed the SUV, but Johns could not release any additional information about evidence. Since Chapman was last seen she has not been in contact with loved ones. Police also don’t have any financial records, Johns said.

“It is a very suspicious missing persons case and we’re asking for the public’s help,” he said. “If you’ve seen her, if you know anything about this case or where she may be please give us a call here at the Dayton Police Department. We are in fear for her safety, as is her family.”

Investigators have been working almost around the clock to find Chapman, Johns added.

“We’re to a point now where we need the public’s help,” he said. “We know somebody in the community knows what happened to Cierra or where she is at and we need your help.”

Anyone with information should call Dayton police at 937-333-COPS (2677) or Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP (7867). People also can submit information online at www.miamivalleycrimestoppers.com.

Cierra J. Chapman was last seen on Dec. 27, 2022, in Trotwood. Her SUV was found days later, on Jan. 6, 2023, in Middletown, according to Dayton police.

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