Authorities have apprehended a person of interest linked to the disappearance of Gabriella Cartagena, a Wisconsin woman who has been missing for nearly a week.
The Marinette Police Department reports that Cartagena, 24, was last spotted on February 4 at Red Arrow Park in Marinette around 5 p.m. Her case is being treated as an “involuntary” disappearance.
Robert Chilcote, 29, was detained after a high-speed chase in Monticello. Chilcote had been sought for questioning in connection with an “aggravated assault and possible homicide,” according to FOX 11.
Chilcote faces charges for fleeing a law enforcement officer in a vehicle and for being a fugitive from a different state.
During the arrest, authorities allegedly discovered an “AR-15 rifle with an inserted magazine” inside Chilcote’s vehicle, as reported by WBAY.
Family and friends recall that Cartagena was last seen with Chilcote when they left for a grocery store, and at the time, there was no indication of anything amiss.
However, during a phone call, family members reportedly heard Cartagena say,”Please don’t shoot me. I’m sorry.”
Police are currently searching for a red Toyota Prius, with Wisconsin license plates, in connection with Cartagena’s disappearance.
Menominee and township residents are urged to check security footage between 9:25 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on February 4.
“We did do an expanded search yesterday. We are continuing to follow up on all leads and are attempting to obtain any camera footage which may assist us in our investigation,” Police Chief Jon LaCombe told FOX 11 on Monday.
“At this point I have no other information to provide and we are still attempting to locate whereabouts of the female,”
Cartagena is described as a Hispanic female who stands 5 feet, 6 inches tall, and weighs around 130 pounds. She has brown hair and eyes.
She was last seen in black joggers with a logo on the hip, a black robe, and tan slipper-like shoes.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Marinette Police Department’s detective division at zneumann@marinette.wi.us or at 715-732-5200. Tipsters with vehicle images should contact Menominee County 911 at 906-863-6614.
Anonymous tipsters should use the Crime Stoppers P3 app, or go to www.mmcrimestoppers.com.
Chilcote remains behind bars on a $100,000 bond.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Gabriella Cartagena/Marinette Police Department]
