On June 30, 1993, Punta Gorda Police Officers responded to the 3700 block of Whippoorwill Blvd. for a report of a missing 64 year-old woman. The missing woman, Frances Hendrickson, had been last seen by a neighbor driving her 1987 light blue Buick station wagon. About two years ago, the case was reopened using sonar to search city canals for the missing woman’s vehicle. Detectives teamed with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in the effort. Earlier today, using a new advanced sonar technology, a light blue station wagon was discovered in a canal behind the intersection of Whippoorwill Boulevard. and Eider Street, just blocks from the missing woman’s home.

This area was previously searched by air and water numerous times. The Punta Gorda Police Dive Team has secured the location. An operation to recover the vehicle will begin Thursday morning.