To the University of Vermont community:

The Burlington Police Department, the lead agency investigating the suspicious disappearance of UVM student Michelle Gardner-Quinn, today issued the following news release:

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Initial News Release Issued by the Burlington Police Department Monday, October 9, 2006:

Michelle Gardner Quinn was last seen during the early morning hours of Saturday, October 7, in the downtown area of Burlington. A more specific location is currently unavailable.

Michelle is 21 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches tall, and approximately 135 pounds. She has a stud piercing in her nose and was last seen wearing a gray peacoat, green button-up cardigan sweater, light blue T-shirt, and a black Puma purse with white straps.

Investigators have been working around the clock following leads. No specific suspects have been identified.

We consider Michelle’s disappearance to be highly suspicious, and time is essential as this investigation enters its third day.

Burlington Police have sought and are receiving the assistance of Federal, State, and local agencies to ensure that all available resources are brought to bear in this case. UVM Police Services has assigned two detectives to the investigation team.

We are seeking the public’s assistance in a number of ways. Burlington Police would like to hear from you if:

1. If you had contact with Michelle during the evening or early morning hours of Saturday October 8 to Sunday October 9.

2. You have information about the following vehicle — considered a vehicle of interest/a preliminary lead that may or may not be related to this case —

• A white Subaru-type hatchback (WE WANT TO STRESS this may not be a Subaru model but a Subaru-type vehicle) with gold trim / a gold pinstripe. The license plate of this vehicle was likely a green Vermont tag and was bent up at the bottom
• The male driver of this vehicle — who is described as a white male, in his 20’s, with short cropped light blonde hair, no facial hair but a days growth (5 o’clock shadow). He may be about 6 feet tall with a muscular build and one nostril may be slightly larger than the other. He was wearing a gray hoodie type sweatshirt and light colored baseball cap.
• The operator of this vehicle spoke to a female on North Winooski Avenue near the Salvation Army at approximately 2:35 a.m. on Sunday morning and asked her to get into the vehicle.
• The vehicle was last seen turning toward Intervale Avenue from North Winooski Avenue.

3. On our website (www.bpdvt.org) there is a link to a missing person flyer, which contains a photograph of Michelle. Anyone interested in printing and distributing those flyers in your neighborhoods is encouraged to do so.

4. Anyone interested in searching the vicinity of their home or their neighborhood for items of interest, such as personal belongings or clothing described above should report findings to the Burlington Police at (802) 658-2700. Please do not manipulate the items before calling police.

5. If you have ANY other information about this case.

Contact information for Burlington Police is (802) 658-2700.

More information will be released via the media and our website, www.bpdvt.org, as soon as it becomes available.

Related article: A Message from UVM Police Chief Gary Margolis on Staying Safe On and Off Campus