TROY – On Friday morning, February 2, 2024, 14-year-old Ellie Carder was reported missing by her Father. An investigation was immediately started, and she was entered as a missing person. That investigation found that she was last seen on Wednesday evening, and both video surveillance and witness statements placed her in the area of E. Staunton Rd. and Michigan Ave., headed toward the Great Miami River a little after 6 pm.
Continued investigation has led detectives to focus on searching the area of the Great Miami River due to several circumstances, including a report on Wednesday, at 9:08 pm, that employees of Conagra Foods, 801 Dye Mill Rd., heard a woman yelling outside. Officers checked the area and did not hear anyone yelling or find anyone at that time.
Officers continue to follow up on leads that Ellie may have voluntarily run away, but this morning, while searching the River with the assistance of the Troy Fire Department, Ellie’s backpack was located in the River near E. Main St. (SR 41). Troy Fire and Troy Police are continuing their efforts to search the River.
Please call Detective Compton at (937) 339-7525 ext. 1410 if you have tips or other information about Ellie’s whereabouts. If her location is known at the time of the call, please call 911 or (937) 440-9911 for the Miami County Communication Center.
