The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

When Astoria Police found the car at 3:24 a.m. on August 16, the keys were in the ignition and the emergency lights were flashing.

The owner, Traci Wirkkala, however was nowhere in sight. Wirkkala, 41, grew up in Deep River and now resides in Naselle. She has not yet been located.

The US Coast Guard provided a helicopter to search the area, and Wirkkala was entered into the National Crime Information Center. Additionally, an attempt to locate was issued to other agencies.

Police found the vehicle in response to a dispatch that an abandoned car sat on Megler Bridge. Upon their arrival, they found a silver, 4-door, Nissan Ultima with Wirkkala’s purse, identification, and a dog inside. The dog was later released to a member of Wirkkala’s family.

“The Astoria Police Department has responded to similar incidents in the past,” said Astoria Deputy Police Chief Brad Johnston. “They have included people who have walked away from their car without notifying anyone, a person who used the ploy to stage a disappearance, and suicides. As a result, the department will continue to keep an open mind as to what this incident is.

“Other than raising awareness it is too difficult to comment further at this time,” said Wirkkala’s sister in an e-mail on Tuesday.

Though Astoria Police will continue to investigate, they are seeking witnesses that may have seen Wirkkala or her vehicle prior to the time her Nissan was discovered. Wirkkala is described as being 5’5” tall and weighing about 155 lbs. She has brown eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information about the vehicle or Wirkkala is encouraged to contact Sergeant Eric Halverson. He can be reached at ehalverson@astoria.or.us or (503) 325-4411. Any information will be helpful.