Disappearance of man 3 years ago still has Cass County looking for clues

WALKER - Three years ago, Peter Achermann of Staples, Minn., disappeared.

The Cass County Sheriff's Office noted in a press release Thursday that the investigation into the then-82-year-old man's disappearance continues and a reward for information has been extended.

On July 24, 2009, Achermann left his home to run errands. He was last seen on Warner Road by the Crow Wing River bridge between noon and 1 p.m.

His vehicle, described as a light blue 1995 Chevrolet Caprice wagon, was located off County Road 32 at the end of a minimum- maintenance road on July 25.

Despite extensive searches of the area, no trace of Achermann has been found.

Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch reports in the release that his office is working closely with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and is committed to solving the case.

While several leads have been followed up on, there hasn't been anything substantial to help solve Achermann's disappearance, the release states.

Anyone with information, tips or leads on Achermann's whereabouts is asked to contact the Cass County Sheriff's Office at 800-450-2677 or 218-547-1424 or to call 911.

The aware up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the disappearance, if the disappearance is the result of foul play, has been extended.

Achermann, who reportedly was in good health when he disappeared, is approximately 5 feet, 6 inches tall and 170 pounds with gray hair. He walks with a cane and has surgical scars on hip due to multiple hip replacement surgeries.