PARK TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Authorities confirmed that a missing mother from Park Township, along with her three children and their dog, were found safe in Missouri on Saturday. The group had been the subject of a widespread search after the mother, 50-year-old Michelle Lynn Olszewski, took her children out of school and left the state on Wednesday.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office launched the search after Olszewski’s rental car and belongings were discovered at a hotel in Indiana. However, the family had not been seen at or near the hotel since Thursday. Authorities grew increasingly concerned when they discovered signs that Olszewski may be experiencing mental instability and had a history of mental health challenges.
On Saturday afternoon, the sheriff’s office reported that Olszewski and her 8-year-old son were located in Missouri, but the whereabouts of her two other children, aged 10 and 14, remained unknown. Hours later, law enforcement officials confirmed that all four family members had been found safe and were being evaluated by medical professionals as a precautionary measure.
Sgt. Sean Mazzola with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department stated that no foul play was suspected, and that the family’s father had been contacted. “They are being evaluated by medical staff as a precaution,” Mazzola told KTVI, a St. Louis news station.
It remains unclear how Olszewski and her children managed to reach Missouri, as authorities did not have a known source of transportation. However, the sheriff’s office expressed relief that the family was safe and no longer in danger.
The case began on Wednesday when Olszewski took her children, aged 8, 10, and 14, out of school without prior warning. Authorities soon learned that Olszewski had a history of mental instability, which may have contributed to her actions. While the details of their journey remain unclear, the outcome ended with a positive resolution, giving hope to the family and the community.
