Searchers to look along I-80 for Peggy Herlacher

Officials investigating a Silver Springs woman's disappearance are searching the wooded areas along Interstate 80 into California, an official said Tuesday.

Peggy Herlacher, 73, was discovered missing on July 24. The following day, Herlacher's grandson, James Masterson, 22, who had just moved in with her, was stopped on a traffic violation in Sacramento driving her car and allegedly in possession of her credit cards and jewelry. Also in Masterson's possession was heroin, officials said.

Masterson has refused to speak with investigators, though he has denied to family knowing his grandmother's whereabouts. He is being held in the Sacramento County Jail awaiting trial there on charges of possession of stolen property and heroin.

Lyon County Sheriff's Lt. Brian Veil said Tuesday that Lyon County Search and Rescue volunteers will join with California search and rescue units to look along I-80 in California for clues to Herlacher's disappearance.

He said investigators have determined Masterson's route into California the Thursday before Herlacher was reported missing.

"We now know he went from Silver Springs to Fernley then Interstate 80 to Sacramento and Interstate 99 down to Modesto," said Veil. "He was in the Truckee area. There's no doubt. We do know that."

Veil said Washoe County Search and Rescue recently searched the area between Verdi and the state line, with no sign of Herlacher. Searches surrounding Herlacher's home and into Fernley also have come up empty.

Veil said anyone who may have seen a white 2000 Chevy Cavalier along I-80 between July 22 and 25 should call 775-577-5096. The car, otherwise nondescript, had a Jack in the Box antenna topper and a towel in the back window.

Herlacher is described as 5-feet-4 and approximately 140 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. She has health problems and requires daily medication.

Masterson is 5-feet-8 and 140 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes and is heavily tattooed.