UPDATE: Video is from this morning — earlier today we launched an active and specific search in a key area based on the intelligence we are receiving and researching. Boat crews and ground teams have been called in and we have search and rescue dogs deployed. More to follow… pic.twitter.com/g2tq85JTZX
— Duane Dog Chapman (@DogBountyHunter) September 29, 2021
NORTH PORT, Florida, Sept. 29, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — Television personality Duane ‘The Dog’ Chapman, also known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, allegedly said he feels Brian Laundrie is alive and that he believes he is close to capturing him, according to TMZ.
Chapman assigned himself the task of finding Laundrie, a person of interest in the disappearance of Laundrie’s fiancee, Gabby Petito.
In an exclusive article posted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, TMZ says that sources with direct knowledge say Chapman is heading to a “remote site” where he says Laundrie is hiding.
“We’re told Dog had obtained information that leads him to believe Laundrie was alive and moving around as of 10 p.m. on Tuesday,” TMZ reports.
Chapman is working with a team that includes skilled ground and boat crews.
At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Chapman’s daughter Lyssa Chapman tweeted that her father has brought in K-9s to assist with the search.
Chapman tweeted at 5:10 p.m. Wednesday: “Dog and team are still searching an island near Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County, FL. K-9 teams have been brought in to assist. The search will continue into the evening. Dog is grateful to everyone assisting & for the thousands of tips. Keep them coming in to 833-TELL-DOG.”
It also emerged Wednesday that a search is underway on portions of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina after possible sightings of Laundrie.
It emerged Tuesday that Laundrie did go camping with his parents after returning home alone from an extended trip west in Petito’s camper van.
Petito’s body was found on Sept. 19 in Grand Teton National Park, where the couple had been camping before Laundrie returned home to Florida alone, on Sept. 1. An autopsy determined Petito’s manner of death was homicide.
Laundrie family attorney Steven Bertolino reportedly told a WINK News reporter Tuesday that Brian and his parents checked into Fort De Soto Campground and stayed there Sept. 6 and 7. Bertolino said the parents and son went in, and all three came back out, the reporter’s statement says.
The Laundries have declined to talk to police regarding the Petito case, speaking through Bertolino.
Chapman reported Monday to Fox News that tips he was given said the three entered the campground, but only Laundrie’s parents came back out.
“Allegedly, what we’re hearing, is two people left on the 8th. Three people came in on the 6th, and two people left on the 8th,” Chapman told Fox News. “I think he’s been here for sure.”
Chapman also said tips indicated the trio had been at the campground earlier as well, on Sept. 1-3.
On Monday, Bertolino said Laundrie’s parents “do not know where Brian is.”
Gephardt Daily will have more on this developing story as information is made available.
His parents know exactly where he is but not saying anything. They meet up so he can either get money or food and his parents gave him a burner phone so he cant be traced. Why do you think they dont want to talk to the fbi or the media. They might say something that will give him away. I think they should be watched constantly. Every move they make should be noted. Then after he gets capthey should blow his kneecaps out and charge his parents with interfering with an investigation and hiding a fugitive. Im sure they’re more charges they will get besides those two. Go dog. Get this scrappy piece of shit of this planet.