By MATT ERICKSON
Staff Writer

Brainerd police investigators have found evidence suggesting Erika Dalquist, the 21-year-old Brainerd woman missing since Oct. 30, is the victim of foul play.

In making that announcement this morning, Brainerd Police Chief John Bolduc wouldn't elaborate on what information was uncovered or where it was found, but said it has led investigators to believe Dalquist, or evidence on her whereabouts, may be found somewhere near Brainerd.

Pressed for more details, Bolduc said, "We need to clear some hurdles. We don't want to miss anything."

Bolduc said Brainerd police officers and investigators will be conducting searches, possibly using search and dogs, in targeted areas around Brainerd sometime this week.

Bolduc is also asking all property owners in the Brainerd area to thoroughly search their property, especially wooded areas, outbuildings, sheds, abandoned vehicles, ravines and in creek or river bottoms, that aren't frequented by people. He said anything suspicious should be reported to the Brainerd Police Department.

Dalquist was last seen by friends outside of Tropical Nites bar in downtown Brainerd near South Eighth and Laurel streets. She was waiting for a taxi when she saw a man she recognized and told friends to cancel her taxi because she would get a ride home with him. The man is described as a white male with brown hair. The taxi company said it has no records of a cab being ordered.

Brainerd investigators have found nothing missing from Dalquist's apartment in northeast Brainerd, no money taken out of her checking account or other financial accounts and no phone calls have been made to family or friends.

Dalquist is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall, 135 pounds with brown, chin-length hair and blue eyes. She has a blue and green scroll tattoo on her lower back.

She was last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark blue sweatshirt with a zipper in the front. The sweatshirt may have had a hood.

Anyone with information concerning the disappearance of Erika Dalquist is asked to call the Brainerd Police Department at (218) 829-2805. Information can also be left at a Web site set up for Dalquist at http://www.erikasmissing.com/.

A reward of up to $10,000 has been offered for information leading to the recovery of Dalquist. Donations for Erika Dalquist's reward fund can be sent to Jane Loftis at the Security State Bank, P.O. Box 7, Pillager, Minn., 56473, or by calling (218) 746-3131.