Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Detectives Jon Tyler and Todd Sautter tell StaceyPageOnline.com today that police have so far exhausted every avenue in their search for a missing 18-year-old.

Aurora Shoemaker, 3699 N. 175 E., Warsaw, has been missing since Aug. 16 when she allegedly went for a walk alone and never returned. She was last seen at about 4 p.m. that Thursday in Suburban Acres Mobile Home Park. (See related article)

Detective Tyler says the family and friends of Aurora have provided a number of names of people who may have information about Shoemaker’s whereabouts, and possible locations as to where she may be staying. “We’ve chased down every person and looked in every location and we’ve come up with nothing,” he explained.

The only confirmed sighting of Shoemaker was made last week at Paradise Pawn. Authorities say Shoemaker attempted to pawn an item but did not have her identification with her.

Today, StaceyPageOnline.com was also contacted by the Northeast Indiana Search and Rescue team based in Fort Wayne. The SAR team has been offering to assist in a ground search for Shoemaker and Detective Sautter said he has spoke with the team’s leader, Mark Archer.

“At this point, I told them we have no reason to search any woods or fields or anything like that,” Sautter said. “We’re still following up on leads, in fact I checked on two more today. I was assured she’s around and fine.”

Sautter did add that the last time Shoemaker was allegedly seen by anyone was last week. “She’s not in trouble, she just needs to contact her mom or her grandmother and let them know she’s ok and just not coming home.” Sautter noted, “I’ve told everyone who may know where she is the same thing. We just need to talk to her to make sure she’s ok.”

At this point, authorities believe Shoemaker’s disappearance is of her own free will, but they will continue to follow any leads.

Tyler said police are also discouraging any type of organized searches for the missing teen on private property. Sautter added, “But we’re not saying don’t search. This is not a cold case and it’s not a closed case. We’ll continue to search until we have an answer.”

With no reason to believe she has become a victim of foul play, police say the best way family, friends and the community can help is to keep an eye out Shoemaker and report any possible sightings.

Shoemaker is 5 feet 9 inches tall with short strawberry blonde hair. She has blue/green eyes, a thin frame and piercings on her lip.

Information on Shoemaker’s whereabouts should be directed to the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department at 574-267-5667.