Carder was reported missing Friday by her father. Troy police immediately opened an investigation that determined through witnesses and surveillance video that she was last seen a little after 6 p.m. Jan. 31 in the area of East Staunton Road and Michigan Avenue headed toward the river.
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As officers continue to follow up on leads that Carder may have run away, Troy police and fire crews searching the river Tuesday morning found her backpack in the water near East Main Street (state Route 41), according to a post on social media.
Burnside said Wednesday that her backpack contained mostly schoolwork with some personal items.
Detectives are focusing on searching the area of the Great Miami River because of the backpack found in addition to a report at 9:08 p.m. Jan. 31 that employees of Conagra Foods, 801 Dye Mill Road, heard a woman yelling outside. Officers checked the area at the time, but did not hear anyone yelling or find anyone, police said.
Police said that volunteer organizations with specialized search and safety equipment were called in Tuesday. The search covered the area from the CSX railroad bridge to state Route 571 and used boats, drones and sonar.
Carder stands 5 feet, 7 inches, weighs 110 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone who knows her whereabouts, has seen her since Jan. 31 or who has information is urged to contact detective Cody Compton at 937-339-7525, ext. 1410.
Residents are asked to refrain from forming their own search parties.
“If someone would get in trouble searching the river on their own, having to perform a water rescue would severely delay our searches,” police said.
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