BROOKVILLE (EYT) – The family of a woman who has been missing since she jumped out of a moving car on Interstate 80 on July 4 is still searching for answers.
According to the Find Susan Bachman Facebook page, the family says they have learned a lot about search and rescue efforts. They have discovered that social media has been a good source in their efforts to find Bachman.
Currently, the family is reviewing other strategies to continue the search effectively. However, they are requesting the public to continue sharing the missing poster.
Around 8:30 a.m. on July 4, Bachman of Centre County jumped out of a car near mile marker 77 on Interstate 80 west. Authorities say the car was travelling approximately 65 miles per hour.
She survived the bail-out and disappeared into the woods next to the highway. She was being driven by her father, William Bachman, to an appointment at the Clarion Psychiatric Hospital.
According to sources, Bachman was experiencing a psychotic episode. Also, Bachman was possibly suicidal or at risk of hurting herself.
State police responded with numerous search teams, including firefighters from Jefferson County, bloodhounds, search and rescue teams and a police helicopter. The search continued for five hours but she was not found.
On July 7, more than 60 volunteers, including the members of Track & Trail Search and Rescue, participated in a noon search for Bachman. The search was unsuccessful.
On July 12-13, the family Bachman engaged Sarah Platts, director of VK9SAR, an organization that provides Scent Specific K9 Search Support.
The team of Sarah Platts and her trailing dog Sam was able to trail Bachman’s path from her last known location, the barn where she dropped her cellular phone and wallet, to Route 28 southbound, heading toward Pittsburgh.
It is believed that after she jumped out of the moving car, she hitched a ride on U.S. Route 322 westbound in Brookville, and that the vehicle turned south on Route 994 and then south on Route 28.
For safety reasons, the search effort was stopped in Kittanning, where Route 28 becomes a divided highway.
Anyone with a possible sighting of Bachman is requested to contact the state police at DuBois at 814-371-4652.