Search Continues for Alfred Odden

Volunteer rescue organization Badlands Search & Rescue has stepped in to add their resources and support.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The phrase “into thin air” gets thrown around a lot in missing persons cases, but given the lack of trail Alfred Odden left after departing the Valley City Casey’s on the evening of April 1, it feels somewhat appropriate.

The 73-year-old grandfather reportedly claimed he was going to drive his teal pickup with red topper from Wahpeton to Fargo.

At some point, he ended up at that Casey’s, purchasing a full tank of gas and a phone charger, which allowed him to text his son, David, at 9:01 P.M.

After that – nothing.

“There’s been no activity on his bank accounts,” said Travis Bateman, founder and director of Badlands Search & Rescue. “He did pay with a debit card in Casey’s that night for his purchases, and since then there’s been no activity on the card.”

Bateman been touching base with Odden’s son, David, on search efforts, which included two volunteers taking to the skies April 9th in crop-dusting planes to scour from above.

“That’s their time, that’s their money, their fuel, their plane,” said Bateman, emphasizing the selflessness of the action.

He, along with David and local authorities, is urging folks from basically every surrounding county to keep their eyes peeled for anything – tire tracks, pieces of clothing, disturbed structures – hoping someone can spot the clue that brings Al Odden home.

The license plate on Odden’s truck is M E U C C I 2.

David Odden is managing much of the civilian search efforts and has put his cell phone number out there if people want to text him to get involved.

That number is 818 – 301 – 4816.