Search ends without finding Lower Providence woman

Police in Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County, concluded a ground search begun earlier today without finding a missing 25-year-old woman, a police spokeswoman said this afternoon.

No explanation was given for calling off the effort.

Janice M. Rubendall, a resident of the first block of Wayne Avenue, Lower Providence, was last seen by her father on Jan. 4.

But family members did not report her absence until Feb. 9 because she is an "independent adult," said Lower Providence Police Chief Francis L. Carroll.

Rubendall was known to frequent the Betzwood Park area of Lower Providence near the Route 422 overpass prior to her disappearance.

One hundred police and volunteer firemen, aided by water rescue personnel and search dogs, looked for Rubendall along the banks of the Schuylkill River and in the Betzwood area of Valley Forge National Historical Park.

The search began just before 10 a.m. and ended shortly after 3 p.m., said police spokeswoman Denise Walsh. It will not resume tomorrow.

Walsh said Rubendall's family was present as the search was conducted.

Her vehicle, a white Chrysler PT Cruiser bearing a California license plate, was located and towed on Jan. 26 from the Riverview Condominium Complex in West Norriton Township, near Betzwood Park. Police could not say what Rubendall was doing there.

A towing company sent by the condo complex - not police - carried out the towing assignment, Carroll said.

Family members described Rubendall as a white female, 5-foot-3, and 110 pounds. She has a tattoo on her left bicep showing a mustang horse, and another across her back that reads "CREED."

She had served in the military on the West Coast several years ago, then returned home. It was not clear whether she is employed.

Anyone with information can contact Lower Providence police at 610-539-5900.