State and local agencies have joined a frantic search for a Marietta couple missing since they went to Telfair County Thursday to purchase a car from someone they met through Craigslist.
“We’re trying to put together some teams to go out right now,” said Telfair County Sheriff Chris Steverson.
Steverson said the Georgia State Patrol’s aviation unit has joined local first responders from Telfair and neighboring Wheeler county in the search for Bud and June Runion, both in their late 60s.
The couple apparently drove to McRae to meet with someone who responded to an ad Bud Runion placed seeking a 1966 Mustang, the sheriff said. Family members became concerned when the two did not return for a family function and would not answer their cell phone.
Brittany Patterson, the Runions’ daughter, said her father had wanted the car ever since he returned from duty in Vietnam in 1966.
The family set up a Facebook page to share information about the search. Family member say cell phone data shows the couple made it to McRae by Thursday evening.
Patterson said the family is doing as good as can be expected while they wait for word from authorities.
“We’re just staying positive and not thinking the worst,” she said.
Police say the phone number called by the Runions traced back to a disposable cell phone. Police are tracking signals from that phone in hopes of finding the couple.
The search continued throughout the day on what Steverson described as a large part of the county. “We know they came to the county but that’s where the trail goes cold,” he said. “We remain optimistic that this case will be solved.”
An initial missing person report was filed with the Cobb County Police. After some initial delays, Steverson said Cobb County police got in touch with his agency.
“I was up all night last night with those guys,” he said. “They are really on top of it right now.”
