Vian man reported as missing
A Vian man has been reported as an endangered/missing adult after having no contact with family members or friends in several weeks.
A Vian man has been reported as an endangered/missing adult after having no contact with family members or friends in several weeks.
Vian Police Chief Mark Harkins said Christopher “Chris” Blackmer, 54, was entered into the National Crime Information Center database more than a week ago, but no one has reported seeing him since. He said Blackmer also has also been entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System database and that Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has been notified as well.
“We are diligently working and investigating all leads that are coming in–either in person, by phone or social media,” Harkins said. “We’re exploring every possible avenue to locate Chris and bring him home safely.”
Harkins said Blackmer last made contact with law enforcement about three weeks ago at the gazebo in the downtown Anna Belle Farmer Park. At that time, he was in the company of two Vian residents, but authorities have interviewed the two and neither have seen Blackmer since then.
Blackmer is described as an Ameri- can Indian male, 5-10, 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
“He routinely carries a black backpack, Bible, and an approximate 12×18 nail cross. He was last known wearing grey sweats and a black long-sleeved shirt,” Harkins said.
The police chief said his department has performed a site specific search of places that Blackmer was known to frequent, including several vacated homes, the train bridge and areas between Vian and Gore.
“Our contacts at Fort Smith, Ark. are checking Hope Campus, and we checked the camp in Sallisaw. We are really leaning on the notion he left town, but this is very out of character for Chris,” Harkins said.
Harkins said Vian Police investigator Kirk has requested Cherokee Marshal Service for aerial support so that they can search a broader area.
“His family, friends and church family are all extremely worried about him. If you have any information on his whereabouts contact the Vian Police Department at 918-705-1180,” Harkins concluded.
