MANSFIELD, Ohio — A Mansfield couple, sought in connection with Patsy Hudson’s disappearance since July 4, was arrested Thursday evening in Lewis County, Tennessee at a roadside campground, according to Mansfield police.
The couple, Walter Renz and Linda Buckner/Bleher, was charged with receiving stolen property and violating probation in Kentucky, respectively, by the U.S. Marshals Task Force.
A national manhunt for the couple began Monday, Feb. 1. Hudson remains missing.
According to Mansfield Police Chief Ken Coontz, the stolen property was Hudson’s credit card.
Coontz said the couple was wanted for questioning relating to Hudson’s disappearance because the three were neighbors when she was last seen.
“We’re not sure what their role was with her disappearance,” Coontz said.
Although the couple was arrested without incident, Coontz said it appeared they were on the run.
“They also were found with a stolen vehicle near the campsite,” Coontz said. “We believe they stole it somewhere along their travels.”
The investigation for Hudson is ongoing, Coontz said.
Timeline of events
July 4, 2015: Hudson gets into a dispute with neighbor about a cat. A police report was filed at Mansfield Police Department.
Dec. 22: Missing person’s report is filed by Hudson’s sister, Patricia Rentz.
Jan. 12, 2016: The Mansfield Police Department asks for the public’s help in locating Hudson. Police learn Hudson was last seen on July 4 and that Hudson’s neighbors, Walter T. Renz and his girlfriend Cara, were moving out that same day.
Jan. 27, 2016: Mansfield police perform a search of Hudson’s house and her neighbor’s house, which belongs to Rentz and Cara. According to the search warrants, police were searching for signs of Hudson’s abduction. The warrant stated they were searching for items including a body, blood and other bodily fluids.
MPD’s investigation details
Police executed a search warrant after learning that Social Security checks were deposited to her Chase bank account and ATM withdrawals were made at locations across the country.
Hudson’s bank account revealed bills paid on a Verizon cell phone. Hudson does not own a cell phone.
The search warrant indicated Hudson’s two vehicles were present at her residence.
Hudson’s physical appearance
In an MPD press release issued Jan. 12, Hudson is described as a white female, standing 5 feet 6 inches and weighing approximately 150 pounds.
According to published information, a police report was filed July 4 at Hudson’s home at 284 Spring St. regarding a dispute involving Hudson and her neighbor at 290 Spring St.
Anyone with details involving the whereabouts of Hudson should call Mansfield Division of Police Dispatch at 419-522-1234 or Detective Bill Bushong of the Major Crimes Unit at 419-755-9432.
