Police want help finding missing mom whose SUV was found abandoned

Mother of a teen boy has been missing since Dec. 27.

The SUV registered to a missing Dayton woman was found Jan. 6 in an area off Jewell Avenue in Middletown. Over the weekend, investigators and private search teams canvassed the neighborhood looking for leads. They found none.

Cierra J. Chapman, 30, was last seen during the early morning hours of Dec. 27 when she met her ex-boyfriend at an apartment on Autumn Woods Drive in Trotwood, Dayton police Maj. Brian Johns said. Her SUV was seen on video leaving the area around 4:30 a.m.

Ten days later, Chapman’s silver 2014 Cadillac SRX was found abandoned, parked on a gravel area of Jewell and Shelley Street. Middletown records show the vehicle was found about 10:15 a.m. Jan. 6 by a patrol officer. There was minor damage to the vehicle, but Johns said they do not believe it is related to Chapman’s disappearance.

Chapman’s personal belongs were found in the trunk, and her purse with cellphone were in the SUV.

“We didn’t get anything from her car that would indicate foul play,” Johns said. But he added the rest of the circumstances are troubling.

“We are very concerned for her safety,” he said.

The major added Dayton police are trying to get the word out to Middletown area residents that help is needed.

Johns said the investigators are asking businesses and residents along Chapman’s route to check between 3 and about 7 a.m. Dec. 27 for her SUV or one that looks like it or any other vehicle following that is out of the ordinary.

Chapman traveled to Trotwood to west Dayton onto Germantown Road then on Ohio 4 before heading through the areas of German Twp. and Germantown into Butler County and onto Tytus Avenue in Middletown. Johns said they know she was in the area of J-Rocks Bar in the 3000 block of Tytus.

“We don’t know who was driving the car, but if they can just check cameras, please. It would really help,” Johns said.

Chapman is 5 feet, 5 inches and weighs approximately 115 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes.

Chapman’s sister reported her missing on Dec. 29. She is the mother of a 15-year-old son.

Chapman’s ex-boyfriend gave a statement to police over the phone, Johns said.

“They recently broke up,” the major said. “They were going to do an exchange of items.”

Chapman did not have ties to the Middletown area and no reason is known why she would drive to the area.

“If you’ve seen her, if you know anything about this case or where she may be please give us a call here at the Dayton Police Department. We are in fear for her safety, as is her family,” Johns said

Anyone with information should call Dayton police at 937-333-COPS (2677) or Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP (7867). People also may submit information online at www.miamivalleycrimestoppers.com.