Man of Interest in Missing Minnesotan Case

STARBUCK, Minn. (AP) — Sheriff's officials in west-central Minnesota say a man last seen with a college student who disappeared nearly two weeks ago is a person they're investigating in the case.

Douglas County Sheriff Troy Wolbersen said in a statement Monday that the man is a person of interest in Laura Schwendemann's disappearance because he was the last person seen with her. The 18-year-old University of Minnesota, Morris freshman was seen getting gas in Alexandria Oct. 14 with the man, who is known to her.

Residents in the Pope County lakeside community of Starbuck, Schwendemann's hometown, gathered at a vigil Sunday night to pray for her safe return. Authorities have searched by air and on the ground for the missing teen. More than a dozen law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation.