Minneapolis police are asking for help as they search for a 22-year-old woman last seen in a Dinkytown bar.
Jennifer Houle was last seen between 1 and 2 a.m. Friday, when she was out with friends at the Blarney Pub, 412 14th Av. SE. She is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, 140 pounds with long blond hair. She was wearing a black leather jacket, green blouse, black leggings and boots at the time, police said.
In a post on social media Saturday, Minneapolis police said Houle's purse was found at 3 a.m. on Friday, about three blocks west of the Blarney Pub.
Minneapolis police spokesman John Elder said investigators were working on several theories. He said that cutting off contact after an evening out with friends was not consistent with Houle's typical behavior.
According to Houle's Facebook account, she also planned to attend a Women in Business Gala at the McNamara Alumni Center on Thursday.
A man who answered a call to the Houle family's home said the family declined to comment and that they were directing efforts toward assisting police in their search. Houle is listed as a senior at the U's Carlson School of Management.
Pi Beta Phi chapter President Madeline Eddy confirmed that Houle is a member of the sorority and that fellow sorority members were posting fliers on campus in addition to efforts on social media.
"Pi Beta Phi is fully cooperative and our main focus is finding Jen and supporting her family," Eddy said, reading from a prepared statement produced by the sorority.
Police asking for those with information to call 911 or 612-692-8477. People also can text 847 411, then enter MPD and the tip.
Stephen Montemayor • 612-760-8405
Vince Tuss • 612-673-7692
