THPD: Report sightings of missing woman's SUV and other tips

Keen/ICN file photo

​By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

Investigators of the Terre Haute Police Department are asking for community tips regarding a missing woman's whereabouts, as well information on her missing burgundy Honda SUV. Anyone with information regarding the recent disappearance of Alice “Anita” Oswald, 77, is asked to contact the THPD at  812-238- 1661.

Assistant Chief Shawn Keen said today that the department's focus has expanded since the Terre Haute woman was reported missing the evening of Nov. 10. Based on new information, he requests citizens in surrounding counties and rural areas to also report possible sightings of the vehicle, especially if noticed in an area where its presence was new or unusual.

Oswald was reported as a missing person by her daughter. Initial investigation revealed that she was last seen Nov. 9, at the Harmony Haven animal shelter in West Terre Haute around 2:30 p.m..

Keen explained that detectives subsequently learned Oswald arrived at a heating and cooling business in the 2100 block of Maple Avenue  regarding one of her rental properties ---  shortly after leaving the animal shelter, around 3:30 p.m.

Oswald waited at the business for around two hours, at which time staff reportedly informed her that the repair person was in route to one of her properties in the 1600 block of Seconnd Avenue.

"Investigators learned that Oswald then departed the business with the stated intention of meeting the repair person at the Seond Avenue location," Keen said.  

Ultimately, detectives confirmed that the repair person arrived at the Second Avenue residence at 4:55 p.m.through GPS tracking of the repair vehicle.

"Oswald never arrived," Keen said.

Meanwhile, investigation into the woman's disappearance is ongoing --- now reaching he three-week point.

Just two days into the investigation, and after a statewide Silver Alert was declared,  a suspicious fire at the missing woman's residence was determined by officials to be arson.

Keen notes that investigation has since included canvasing areas around both Oswald’s property in the 1600 block of Second Avenue and her residence in the 2300 block of Second Avenue. Detetives have also collected video from businesses and residences along the routes between all three locations.  

"Additionally, residences in the 2300 and 1600 block of Second Avenue have been processed forensically," he said.

While formal investigation continues, the public can offer additional help to law enforcement officials with reporting possible spottings the 2014 Honda CRV and/or the missing woman --- described as 5-foot, 3-inches tall, weighing 120 pound with gray hair and blue eyes. Contact police with any other potential tips on the case.

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