Friday Morning Update
by Chris Durden
A missing Viola woman has turned up safe. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office says 48-year-old Joyce Patterson called 911 from a home in east Wichita around 10:30 Thursday night.
Where Patterson Was Dropped Off
Patterson vanished while working at a convenience store in Viola on Monday. Authorities conducted several searches of the area but found nothing.
Investigators says Patterson was taken to a Wichita hospital to be checked out and appears to be fine. The Sheriff's Office says Patterson's captor released her and left the scene.
Investigators are looking for the man who dropped Patterson off. He's white, around 40-years-old, 6' tall, about 300 pounds. Authorities say he may be driving a gray or blue two-door car with the passenger seat missing. If you see a vehicle matching this description, call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Sedgwick County Sheriff. The number (316) 660-5300 or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.
Thursday Evening Update
No new information has been released about the disappearance of Joyce Patterson, but officials say they continue to follow up on leads.
A community prayer service is set for Saturday evening at the Viola City Hall. The service begins at 9:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
Wednesday Update
by Kim Hynes
Sheriff's deputies knocked on every door in Viola Wednesday asking people if they knew anything about the disappearance of Joyce Patterson. Patterson disappeared from the convenience store where she worked Monday afternoon. No one has heard from her since.
The sheriff's department believes she was abducted. Money was missing from the cash register but Patterson's purse was still at the convenience store. Someone also took shoe laces and caffeine pills.
Deputies tried talking with residents about whether they saw anything off of K-42 Monday afternoon. They also left fliers with Patterson's picture at the homes.
Detectives don't know how many tips they've received, but they're looking into each one. So far nothing has provided information leading them to Patterson.
Patterson's family says they're overwhelmed by the support from customers and residents. They say it's helping them get through this difficult time. The family says they're not giving up hope until Patterson comes home. They're waiting for her to tell them she's okay.
The sheriff's department didn't conduct any other ground searches Wednesday. Tuesday they covered the area on foot and with a helicopter. Based on their searches, they don't think Patterson is still in the area.
Detective Mike Oliver says until they have a specific lead to go on they will not do any more foot searches. He says right now it's like looking for a needle in a haystack because there's very little evidence.
Patterson's family asks anyone who may have seen something Monday to call 316-660-5300. They say any little detail could be the clue to help them bring Patterson home.
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Tuesday Evening Update
by Kim Hynes
The family of Joyce Patterson says she would never take off and leave her family. They believe she was abducted Monday afternoon from work.
During a press conference Tuesday, the family's pastor pleaded with the person or persons who make have taken Joyce. He asked for them to return her home safely. Joyce's family says they're not giving up hope and they don't want her to either.
