Mich. Considers Surveillance Law After Gas Station Clerk Vanishes
NORTON SHORES (WWJ/AP) - Some Michigan lawmakers are considering whether surveillance cameras or other security measures should be required at certain businesses following the disappearance of a 25-year-old mother and gas station night clerk.
Police said there was no surveillance video at the Exxon Mobil gas station in Norton Shores where Jessica Heeringa was working when she disappeared last Friday.
Democratic state Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright of Muskegon, Republican state Sen. Goeff Hansen of Hart and Democratic state Rep. Collene Lamonte of Montague say they plan to explore ways to get a law in place to protect convenience store employees. Hansen said Heeringa's disappearance brought the issue to light.
Lamonte said she is drafting a bill that will focus on business that are open late with only one employee working. Her bill wouldn't require business to have cameras, but would give them a tax incentive if they do.
Police have released portions of two surveillance videos from other area businesses showing a silver or gray Chrysler minivan, but they offer little detail. Investigators say they have talked to several persons of interest, but haven't made any arrests.
Police say there were no signs of a struggle or robbery, and they found Heeringa's purse and belongings in the gas station. The case is being treated as an abduction.
Anyone who may information is asked to contact Silent Observer at 231-72-CRIME or call 911.
Click here to catch up on the Heeringa case.
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