CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — A search is under way for the daughter of Concord Police Chief Merl Hamilton.
Valerie Hamilton, 23, was last seen at Thomas Street Tavern, a popular restaurant and bar in Plaza Midwood, between 12:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. Hamilton's family and her boss said they have not heard from her since.
Police said she was last seen at the bar with a light-skinned white man who has short, dark hair with some gray in it. The man was clean-shaven, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 165 pounds and was wearing jeans and a T-shirt. He did not have any visible tattoos or piercings, police said, and is described as being in his mid- to late 30s.
Police said they are unsure if Hamilton knew the man. Friends who were at the bar with Hamilton said it appeared that she knew the man, but said they were not familiar with him.
SLIDESHOW: Photos Of Valerie Hamilton
Hamilton's family members found her car parked near Thomas Street Tavern on Wednesday.
Police have searched her apartment, located in the Arboretum in south Charlotte, and the tavern for clues in her disappearance. Investigators spent about nine hours at the tavern on Thursday, going over the area and then taking the business' surveillance video, a manager at the bar said.
On Friday, investigators began searching the area around Hamilton's apartment complex, including a nearby wooded area. Police said they have reason to believe Hamilton went to her apartment after leaving the tavern. They didn't find any signs of foul play inside, they said, but are still deeply concerned.
"We have, throughout the night and into the morning, developed several bits of information and leads that have caused us to have a greater concern for her safety and well-being," Deputy Chief Harold Medlock said.
If you have information about Valerie Hamilton's whereabouts, police ask that you:
• Call 911
• Speak to Detective Martin at 704-432-TIPS
• Contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-160
Hamilton is 5 feet 3 inches and 125 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair, police said. She has a distinctive tattoo of three stars in a horizontal design on the back of her neck.
Hamilton works as an instructor at the Little Otter Swim School and was supposed to be there on Thursday morning, her boss, John Kirk, said. When she didn't show up or contact him, Kirk said he was immediately concerned.
"It's not like her to not show up and let us know, ‘I'm sick, my car's broken or I had something else going on,'" he said.
Other employees called Hamilton's cell phone several times, Kirk said, and left messages but never heard back.
Kirk described Hamilton, who has taught swimming to young children for two years, as happy, energetic and adored by the her students.
"She's one of those bright, shining people that a kid can't cry around," he said.
Anyone with information on Hamilton's whereabouts is asked to call 911, 704-432-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
Location Of Thomas Street Tavern:
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