New information expands search area for missing Buckeye woman

BUCKEYE, AZ (AZ family) — Police have expanded the search area for a missing Buckeye woman based on new information provided by her son.

In an update posted to social media Thursday afternoon, Buckeye police said a “specialized forensic investigator” met with Tucker’s son on Wednesday. Based on the additional details he provided, the search has now been expanded further north of the interstate.

Crews have been searching for Hope Tucker, 46, since Saturday, June 22, when they learned she had been missing for a month.

Police said Tucker and her autistic son were driving on I-10 early Wednesday morning, May 22, when their car broke down between Verrado Way and Watson Road.

Investigators believe they abandoned the car to find shade, but it's unclear what happened to Tucker. Her son, who has limited communication skills, was found in distress at a Watson Road gas station on May 24.

He was hospitalized for nearly a month before being released into the care of a family member last week. Although he never mentioned his mother during his hospital stay, police say he told his loved ones what happened and they called Phoenix police.

Buckeye police were immediately notified and began searching the area where Tucker's son said she was last seen.

Authorities continue to ask for the public's help in locating Tucker, who is 6'1″ and weighs approximately 220 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black shirt, white shorts and purple shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or submit a tip online here.

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