Ashley Reimers
Westminster Police Department and other agencies continue to search for missing Jessica Ridgeway.
A body was found Wednesday night in the Pattridge Park Open Space area in Arvada, but police haven't confirmed whether or not it is Ridgeway.
“Investigators are still working to identify the body found, but the body is not intact, making the process difficult,” said Trevor Materasso, spokesperson for the Westminster Police Department. “We continue to focus on every aspect of the investigation. We are using every agency and resource we have to continue to search for Jessica.”
The Pattridge Park Open Space is in west Arvada, south of the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge, about seven miles from Ridgeway's home. The area — now designated an established crime scene — is dotted with abandoned coal mines. Materasso said another press conference including other agencies involved in the investigation will most likely be on Friday, one week after Ridgeway's disappearance.
Wednesday afternoon Materasso said investigators do not believe the parents are involved. He said people should continue to search for Ridgeway and focus on facial features, her mannerisms and demeanor as seen in released videos.
Ridgeway was last seen by her mother Sarah Ridgeway around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, walking down the driveway of her home on West 107th Avenue and Moore Street. Ridgeway normally meets friends at Chelsea Park three blocks away from her home, but police report her friends said she didn't show up.
During an interview with 9News reporter David Delozier on Oct. 9. Jessica's mother Sarah, her father Jeremiah Bryant, and other family members encouraged people to continue to look for Jessica and thanked the community for their donations of time, money, food and effort.
“We're strong, and we will get stronger,” Sarah Ridgeway said during the interview. “She's my rock, she's all of our rock. I want her to come walking back through the door. I need her to come walking back through that door.”
Westminster Police Department seeks tips and leads for the safe return of Ridgeway. Anyone who has information is asked to call 303-658-4336 or e-mail pdamberalert@cityofwestminster.us. Flyers with Ridgeway's picture may also be picked up at the Westminster Public Safety Center, 9110 Yates St.