UPDATE: Missing Deschutes County man found safe in Portland area
Barney Lerten
(Update: Missing man found safe in Portland area)
UPDATE: 5:22 p.m. August 20: The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to share that 34-year-old Michael Gifford has been located safe in the Portland area. We thank the community and media for helping share this information. Your vigilance and support are vital, and we appreciate your assistance. We do not have additional details to share, but we are thankful for the outcome.
Earlier story:
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office asked for the public’s help Wednesday as it actively investigates a missing person case involving Marshall Gifford, a 34-year-old Deschutes County man with deep ties to the community, who hasn’t been seen since going to southwest Washington a week ago.
Gifford was last seen on Monday, August 11, around 9 p.m. at a residence off Shoshone Road southwest of Bend, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said.
Gifford was transported by an unknown man in an unknown vehicle to the Clark County Courthouse, 1200 Franklin Street in Vancouver, Washington, where he appeared for a personal matter on Wednesday, August 13.
Investigators believe Gifford may have attempted to use public transportation — possibly a bus — that day to return to Deschutes County.
“However, he has not been heard from since, and attempts to reach him by cell phone have been unsuccessful,” Carr said.
Description of Marshall Gifford:
White male, 34 years old
Blue eyes, brown hair
Approximately 5’9” and 130 lbs
Scar on left elbow
Clothing/Items Last Seen Worn:
Red flannel shirt, jeans, black tennis shoes
Black chain necklace with a ring containing a purple stone
Carrying a black shoulder sling-style backpack
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who has seen Gifford or has information about his whereabouts to contact Deputy Matthew Houston at matthew.houston@deschutes.org or call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at (541) 693-6911.