ROCKFORD, Mich. — Rockford residents will see an increase in police presence on Saturday, according to the Kent County Sheriff's Office.
KCSO said beginning at 8 a.m. there would be several deputies in the Rockford area searching for anything related to the whereabouts of Penelope "Penny" Wise.
The 17-year-old went missing around 6 p.m. on May 31 from her home in Cedar Springs after a small disagreement, said KCSO Chief Deputy Jason Kelley.
She left her home on foot and security footage was recovered that shows her walking on Rockford Park Drive, about five miles away from her home, later that evening.
Kelley said she shed some clothing when she left her home near Morley Park.
She was last seen on camera walking near the Corner Bar in Rockford on June 1.
KCSO said the search isn't a result of new information, but rather a continuation of the investigation.
Kelley said a search and rescue team is looking for her and search dogs are being used to try to find her, or any evidence that may lead to her.
Now six weeks after Penelope went missing, the reward for tips leading to her return has been increased from $1,000 to $3,000.
"The public has helped us a lot in this," Kelley said. "We'd ask them to continue to be vigilant, to continue to keep an eye out for her. She was last seen in that bright pink tank top. And we'd ask if anyone has any knowledge of her, of her whereabouts, to please let us know."
If you have information that could lead detectives to Penny's location and safe return, contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office at (616) 632-6125 until 5:00 pm and (616) 632-6100 after 5:00 pm.
You can also submit your tip anonymously through Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345 or www.silentobserver.org to be eligible for a reward and remain anonymous.
Penelope's parents said she was not allowed to have a phone, but they found one she had been hiding before she went missing.
Her parents said Penelope also struggles with her mental health and that while she has left home on her own before it has never been for more than a few hours.
"We want her to know that we love her, we care for her," said her mother, Mishael Wise. "Our number one priority is we want to know she's safe. We need for her to reach out to somebody."
KCSO does not currently suspect any foul play and said she left on her own accord.
