Gretchen Fleming

PARKERSBURG — Police have developed a person of interest in their investigation of the disappearance of Vienna resident Gretchen Fleming.

Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board said he could not release the individual’s name at this point, but investigators identified “somebody she was seen with at the My Way Lounge” late Dec. 3 or early Dec. 4.

Investigators believe the individual may have left the bar with Fleming, 28, that night, the last time she is known to have been seen, Board said.

Fleming’s family reported her missing Dec. 12. The case has generated great interest in the area and beyond, even being featured online by NBC’s “Dateline.”

Board said that although there hasn’t been a lot of information released, the investigation remains active.

“Detectives are still working on this around the clock,” he said Wednesday.

The person of interest was developed with the assistance of owners, staff and patrons of the My Way at Fifth and Juliana streets, as well as other investigative means, Board said.

“Everybody at that location has been extremely cooperative with the police from the onset of the investigation,” he said.

Search warrants were executed about two weeks ago, but Board has said he can’t discuss any specifics and no one was arrested as a result.

Board asked people who may have been around the My Way on the evening of Dec. 3 into the morning of Dec. 4 or have any knowledge of the situation to “please come forward and speak to our investigators.”

People can contact lead Detective James Zimmerman at 304-424-1072 or the Police Department at 304-424-8444.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.