'Suspicious' Case of Missing Trail Man

40 year old Christopher Bateman was last seen on May 17th near Trail, according to police.  Detective Sargeant Colin Fagan says, "We're considering this a suspicious persons case."  Bateman's vehicle was found a week later over an embankment 35 miles north of Tiller.  His dog was found 25 miles away from his truck.  The Jackson County Sheriff's office says there's no evidence of foul play.  Fagan says, "The Douglas County Search and Rescue helped in the search and found no evidence of Bateman being there and he may not have even been in the vehicle when it went over off the embankment."

His brother in law says Bateman did have a reason to leave home.  Bateman was in the middle of an ugly lawsuit at work.  Brother in law Ryan Van Dusen says, "Chris was really, really scared."  But he says he would have never left without saying anything.

Van Dusen says, "What frustrates us is that he went out and disappeared or took his own life and there's just nothing that adds up."

Like his family, Bateman's camping gear is sitting and waiting for him or for more information.  Van Dusen says of Bateman, "He was like an older brother to me.  He took me in and was a good guy.  He doesn't deserve to be missing."

But he's missing and missed until someone can help fill in the cracks.  

If you have any information that might help law enforcement locate Bateman contact the Jackson County Sheriff's office at their 'tipline' at 541-774-8333.