Oakridge man missing for more than a week
ToolsRelated ContentBy Laura RillosOAKRIDGE, Ore. -- No one in Oakridge has seen John Hicks since Sept. 7. The 47-year-old took only his cell phone, leaving his trailer, posessions and beloved dog, Bear, behind. That's why everyone from the Oakridge Police Chief to Hicks' sister says something isn't right. "That's how I knew," said Debra Brunken. "When I talked to the landlord and I said, the dog's gone? And he said, no he's here. And I said oh God, I'll be up as fast as I can come." So Brunken came to Oakridge, where Hicks has lived for the past two years. The part time handyman has the mentality of a 12-year-old, according to Brunken. He's a creature of habit, who calls her every day. She knocked on doors and spoke with her brother's friends. She visited the convenience stores and businesses in town where her brother was known to visit. She filed a missing person report with Oakridge Police. Brunken says Hicks has an alcohol and drug problem, and had many run-ins with police. That's why, Brunken says, police aren't taking his case seriously. "He is known to the Oakridge Police Department and I think, by that reason they are not interested in him any way, whatsoever as a valued human being," she said. Police Chief Louis Gomez says that is not true. He says he has investigated all leads the department has received, and has looked for Hicks in known haunts. "We are going to do the same steps with any adult, any other missing adult with Mr. Hicks, with John," he said. "There's no reason not to." So Brunken worries and Bear keeps watch, both waiting for John to reappear. Only Bear believes he'll be back alive. "I swear to you, in my heart we're looking for my brother's dumped body," said Brunken. "They have dumped him like a bag of garbage. In my heart." |
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