Searchers find no new evidence after canvassing park for Paige Johnson

BATAVIA, Ohio - The search has wrapped up at East Fork State Park for missing teenager Paige Johnson of Florence.

Captain Teal Nally of Covington police said searchers covered dozens of miles but found nothing.

Nally said unless they receive new information they are done searching the park.

"We didn't find anything that's leading us in the right direction today but its part of the investigation, part of the puzzle we have to put together," said Nally. We needed to search this area and we got it done so we're just moving forward."

On Thursday morning, more than 70 searchers from 30 different agencies returned to the Clermont County Park to continue their search for Johnson.

The mother of a 2-year-old daughter has been missing since September 23.

The search of East Fork State Park in Batavia got under way just after 8 a.m.

The searchers are on foot as well as using all terrain vehicles and horses since there is mixed terrain in the large park. They are searching for any sign of the missing teenager.

"Yesterday I talked about some specific areas we covered. We had some left and we had to come back and check today," said Lt. Col. Spike Jones of Covington Police. "We weren't clear if we were able to get to all of it in one day or not, but considerable ground was covered and everyone gave 110 percent to get this done."

Covington police said she was last seen her friend 22-year-old Jacob Bumpass of Taylor Mill.

His cell phone records show he was in this area during the early morning hours, according to Covington police.

Bumpass is currently being held at the Kenton County Jail on a probation violation.

He has not been charged in Johnson's disappearance.

Johnson's friends have organized a candlelight vigil for Friday night. It will be held at Paint Yourself Silly on Decoursey Pike in Covington from 7-10 p.m.

A non-profit organization is offering a reward for information leading to Johnson's whereabouts.

The Northern Kentucky Youth Foundation is offering a $1,000 reward.

The Foundation is a community based organization serving children and families in Boone, Kenton And Campbell Counties.

If you have any information about where Paige Johnson might be, or might have been, please call The Covington Police Department at (859)292-2222.