“We’re hoping this $10,000 reward from the FBI will go a long way in us bringing her home,” Dayton police Maj. Brian Johns said Friday.
He called Chapman’s disappearance suspicious and a “well-orchestrated event.”
“From our investigation we do know that people in the Dayton community know what happened to Cierra,” Johns said.
Chapman was last seen on Dec. 27 when she was visiting her ex-boyfriend at his apartment on Autumn Woods Drive in Trotwood. Her SUV was seen on surveillance footage leaving the area around 4:30 a.m.
Two days later, Chapman’s sister reported her missing. Chapman is 5 feet, 5 inches and weighs approximately 115 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes.
Dayton police is partnering with volunteers at EquuSearch to conduct a large search for Chapman in multiple locations Saturday. At least 60 people are expected to participate.
Johns announced earlier this week the search will use drones, ATVs and canines. The search is not open to the public.
EquuSearch Midwest posted on its Facebook page Wednesday asking anyone who sees the search to not share details.
“If you see our team out over the weekend, please do not approach, do not take pictures and do not share areas that you may see us out searching in,” the post read. “This case is an open ongoing investigation.”
Johns did not share where the search would take place, but said the locations were determined through the course of the investigation.
He said Wednesday police have previously searched from Dayton to Middletown, where Chapman’s silver 2004 Cadillac SRX was found on Jan. 6.
“We have searched extensively for Miss Chapman,” Johns said. “We’ve been working around the clock diligently, following up on all leads and evidence.”
Chapman didn’t have any ties to the Middletown area, so it is not clear why her SUV was there. Her purse and other personal items were inside the vehicle.
When asked if there was a chance Chapman was deceased Johns said it was possible, but the police department is holding out hope.
How to report
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.
About the Author