BEAVERTON, Ore. — The Beaverton Police Department is asking the public for help as it searches for a missing woman in a case a police spokesperson called "unusual."
Melissa Jubane, 32, is a nurse at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She didn't show up to work Wednesday morning and hasn't been seen since, police said.
On Thursday, officers searched Baseline 158, the apartment complex where Jubane lives, located at 1050 Southwest 160th Avenue in Beaverton. A police spokesperson said officers went door to door, and they used a bloodhound during the search. Police are hoping to talk to all residents in the building. Police and detectives will be back at the apartment complex on Friday to continue the investigation.
A community-organized search at the apartment complex started Friday at 7 a.m., with many of Jubane's co-workers from St. Vincent participating in the search. Close to two dozen people were out looking for Jubane Friday morning.
Samantha Oregon and Vianca Urias, both former co-workers with Jubane, are helping the community search effort. They told KGW there's another search planned for tonight, and they expect more co-workers to show up.
"We're trying to support her family as much as we can and do our part, but I think getting the help from the community is really helping," Urias said.
Both talked about Jubane and the quality of person she is.
"She's just a ball of joy," Oregon said. "She was always happy, you know. Whenever I had rough days, she would bring me back."
"She has an amazing soul," Urias said.
Friday evening, even more people — friends, colleagues and total strangers — gathered at the Costco parking lot near Jubane's home, searching nearby woods and parks.
"I thought, why not just come down here and see what I can do to help?" said Ann Marie Caplan, "Any time someone goes missing, it just goes to your heart, and you worry what could have happened."
"This is the first night that I've really been able to commit and come out and be a part of a search group," said JP Schiller. "It's really awesome to see this many people turning out."
Friends told KGW Jubane had just gotten married.
"I met Melissa when she became a new nurse and worked on a unit with us at St. Vincent," said Sara Kee, a friend and former co-worker. "The last time I talked with her was before she was going to her wedding, which she just got back from... She planned for like a year-and-a-half. It was her dream wedding."
Providence said in a Friday statement that "All of us at Providence are holding Melissa Jubane, her family and friends, and those who work with her closely in our hearts and in our prayers."
Matt Henderson, public information officer for the Beaverton Police Department, called the case "unusual," though he didn't go into further detail. He said the department is putting all its effort into finding Melissa.
Beaverton police has created an independent tip line and website for this case. Henderson said no tip is too small and they're looking for digital evidence, like photos and videos.
Oregon said she hopes people will come forward with information.
"If you see something, say something," she said. "No matter how small the detail may be. Even it seems silly, you don't know; that might help us out."
The number for the tip line is 503-526-2280. The website where people can share information, including photos or other media, is here: https://beavertonpdor.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/242480460.
This is a developing story and may be updated when more information is made available.